1868 a manual of drill and sword exercise, prepared for the use of the county and district...
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British 19th century fencing manual.TRANSCRIPT
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MANUAL OF DKILL
SWORD EXERCISE,
PREPARED FOR THE USE OF THE
COUNTY AND DISTRICT
CONSTABLES
Under 2nd and 3rd Vict., cap. 93,
IN THE SEVEKAL COUNTIES THROUGHOUT
ENGLAND AND WALES.
dmrrtjj (Sbitiott.
LONDON:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BT
W. CLOWES AND SONS, 14, CHARING CEOSS. ;
1868.
2 3-2 ./
The object of this Manual is to establish an uniform
practice of Drill, in the County Constabulary throughout
England and Wales. It consists of a selection made from
the lately revised book on the Drill of the Army, and
contains only those movements, the knowledge of which
seemed to the compiler indispensable, in a well-trained and
efficient Police Force.
WILLIAM C. HAEEIS,
Assist. Commissioner of the Police of the
Metropolis.
Metropolitan Police Office.
CONTENTS.
PAET I.—Eecru'it ok Squad Drill.
General Principles.
KOS. FAOK
I. Instruction of the Kecruit 1
II. Duration of Drills, &c 1
ILL Words of Command 1
Eecruit or Squad Drill Singly, or in Open Files.
SECTION
1. Position of the Constable 2
2. Standing at Ease 2
3. Dressing in Open Files 3
4. Extension Motions 3
5. Saluting 5
6. Facings '
Marching.
7. Length of Step 8
8. Cadence 8
9. Position in Marching 8
10. Balance Step 9
11. Slow Step 11
12. The Halt 11
13. Stepping out 11
14. Stepping short 12
15. Marking Time in the Slow Cadence 12
16. The Side or Closing Step 12
17. Stepping back in Slow Time 13
18. Changing Feet 13
19. The Quick Step 13
20. The Double March ' 13
21. Turning when on the March 14
Squad Drill, with Intervals of Six Inches.
22. Formation in Single Bank at Six Inches Distance 15
B 2
IV CONTENTS.
Squad Drill in Close Files.
section page
23. Single Rank in Close Files 15
24. Dressing when Halted 16
25. Marching to the Front and Hear 17
26. Wheeling of a Single Hank in Slow Time, from the Halt . . . . 17
27. Changing Direction by the wheel of a Single Bank on a movable
Pivot 18
28. The Diagonal March 19
29. File Marching 19
30. Wheeling in File 20
31. Files forming Squad 21
32. The Side or Closing Step 21
Squad Drill in Two Banks.
33. Formation of Squad in Two Ranks 22
34. Dressing in Two Ranks 22
35. Open Order from the Halt 22
36. Marching to the Front and Rear 23
37. Marching in Quick and Double Time 23
38. Marking Time, Stepping Out, Stepping Short, Changing Feet,
Stepping Back, and the Side Step 24
39. Wheeling from the Halt 24
40. The Diagonal March 24
41. File Marching 25
42. The Formation of Fours 25
43. Fours wheeling and forming Squad 27
44. A Squad formed in Fours closing on a Flank, and re-forming
TwoDeep 27
45. Breaking off Files 28
PAET II—Of the Company.
General Principles,
hob.
I. Constables to be formed in Company 29
II. Sizing a Company 29
III. Telling-off of a Company 29
IT. Supernumerary Rank 30
V. Relative Proportion of Paces to Files 30
VI. Application of Sqnad Drill 31
VII. Companies to be drilled as if with the Battalion 31
VIII. Companies to be exercised by their own Officers 31
CONTENTS. Y
SOS. I'M. I
IX. Company to exercise on Rough Ground 31
X. Assembling on Coverers 31
XI. Marching on Points, and judging Distance 32
XII. General Eules 32
A Company in Line and Column,
section
1. Formation of a Company in Line 33
2. Formation of a Company in Column 34
3. Marching to the Front and Bear ' 34
Wheeling from the Halt.
4. A Company wheeling, from the Halt, from Column into Line . . 35
5. A Company wheeling, from the Halt, from Line into Column .. 36
6. A Company wheeling a given Number of Paces, on either Flank,
from the Halt 37
7. Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line . . . . 38
8. Wheeling backward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line . . . . 38
9. An Open Column of Sub-divisions or Sections wheeling into
Line 39
Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.
10. Wheeling from Line into Column, and Column into Line .. .. 40
11. Columns changing Direction 41
12. The Echelon March of Sub-divisions or Sections 41
Miscellaneous Movements and Formations.
13. Marching on an Alignment in open Column of Sub-divisions .. 42
14. A Company in Column of Sub-divisions or Sections forming to
the Reverse Flank 43
15. Forming Company to the Reverse Flank, or to the Right or Left
about, from File Marching, or the Flank March in Fours . . 44
16. The Diagonal March 44
17. File Marching and wheeling in File 44
18. The Formation of Fours 45
19. Company formed in Fours closing on the Flank, or on the Centre,
and re-forming Two Deep 45
20. The Side or Closing Step 45
21. Countermarching 46
Increasing and Diminishing the Front of Columns.
22. A Company diminishing Front by forming Sub-divisions on the
March 47
23. Sub-divisions diminishing Front by forming Sections 47
VI CONTENTS.
24. Sections increasing Front by forming Sub-divisions on the March 48
25. Sub-divisions increasing Front by forming Company 48
26. Diminishing and increasing Front by breaking off Files, and
bringing them again to the Front 48
27. Increasing and diminishing Front by breaking into Fours, or
Files, and re-forming Sections, Sub-divisions, or Company .. 49
Proving.
28. Proving a Company 49
29. Dismissing a Company 50
PAET III.—Formation and Evolutions of a Battalion.
General Principles.
NOS.
I. Application of Squad and Company Drill 51
II. Battalions to move as component Parts of a Brigade 51
III. Words of Command 51
IV. Covering Serjeants 52
V. A Battalion dispersed, re-assembling 52
A Battalion on Parade.
SECTIOH
1. Formation of a Battalion on Parade, in open Column, Eight in
Front 52
2. Wheeling into Line from open Column 53
3. Advancing and Retiring in Line 54
4. Dressing a Battalion in Line 55
Column Movements.—General Principles.
SOS.
I. Dse and Advantages of Columns 56
II. Formation of Columns 56
III. Depth of Columns .' 56
Movements.
SECTION
5. Formation of a Battalion in open Column 57
6. Forming close or Quarter Distance Column from any more Open
Column 57
CONTENTS. Til
SECTION TJlG*
7. A close or Quarter Distance Column opening from the Front,
Bear, or from any named Company 58
8. An open Column changing Direction and Marching on an Align
ment, or moving into an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours tiO
9. A Column at Close or Quarter Distance, wheeling on a fixed or
movable Pivot 61
10. A close or Quarter Distance Column taking Ground to a Flank,
wheeling to the Eight or Left 63
11. Columns taking Ground to a Flank in Fours, Sub-divisions, or
Sections 63
12. Columns, when taking Ground to a Flank by Fours, closing to
less Distance or opening to greater Distance from any named
Company 63
13. Application of the Flank March of Columns by Fours 64
Formation of Column from Line.
14. A Line wheeling back into Open Column from the Halt . . . . 65
15. A Line wheeling into Open Column on the March . . .. .. .. 67
16. A Battalion formed in Line advancing from a Flank in Open
Column of Companies, Sub-divisions, or Sections 67
17. A Battalion in Line advancing in Double Column of Companies,
Sub-divisions, or Sections from the Centre 69
18. A Battalion in Line forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance
Column 70
19. A Battalion in Line forming Sub-division Columns of Grand
Divisions 73
20. Grand Division Columns forming Square 74
Formation of Line from Column.
21. Forming Line to the Front from Open Column on any named
Company 76
22. A Battalion in Open Column forming Line to the Reverse Flank . . 78
Deployments.
23. A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance Column, deploying into
Line on the leading Company . . 79
24. A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance Column, deploying on
the Bear Company 81
Movements and Changes of Front Echelon.
25. A Battalion in Line advancing or retiring in direct Echelon of
Companies from either Flank 83
26. Re-forming Line from Direct Echelon 84
T1U CONTENTS.
PAET IY.—Light Drill.
TAOK
Detail of Formation 86
Skeleton, or Rope Drill 87
Funerals . .. 88
Past V.—Swokd Exebcise.
SECTION
Introductory Remarks 89
1. Extension Motions and Positions 89
2. Preparatory Instruction with the Sword, and Explanation of
Target 93
3. Review, or Inspection, Exercise 102
4. Attack and Defence 103
5. Stick Drill 105
6. General Observations and Directions 108
7. Officer's Salute, &c Ill
Words of Command 114
Instructions for the use of Adam's Breech-loading Revolver
Pistols 119
EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
1. Battalions are usually composed of eight or ten companies, but in
order that the figures might be drawn on as large a scale as possible, the
battalions in the plates of Part III. have been represented as having only
six companies.
2. In the plates of Part III. it has not been considered advisable to
represent the supernumerary rank in each figure, as too much detail would
have made them indistinct. The positions of the supernumerary officers and
serjeants are fully explained in Parts II. and III., and they are represented
in the Plates 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Part III.
KEY TO PLATE S.
Officers, Sergeants, &o.
COMMANDING OFFICER j|l
DRILL INSTRUCTOR |j|
SENIOR MOUNTED OFFICER...rjl
. » COVERING SERJEANT ^
INSPECTORACTING AS I
ADJUTANT )
SERJEANT. \h
OFFICER COMMANDING)
*
COMPANY J CONSTABLE.FRONT BANK. ...■
SENIOR STJPERNUMERARY...(s)
CONSTABLE,REAR RANK a
JUNIOR SUPERNUMERARY. 6
ORIGINAL FORMATION j?™^113^Mloar Hank
INTERMEDIATE FORMA- (FrontRanlr
tiON. v RearRank
FINAL FORMATION I^0111?3?15I Bear Rank i
DIRECTION OF MOVEMENTS **+-
PART I.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
1. Instruction of the Recruit.—The instructors, to whom this
duty is entrusted, must be clear, firm, and concise in their mode of
conveying instruction, in order to command perfect attention to
their directions. They must allow for the capacity of the Recruit ;
and be patient, where endeavour and good-will are apparent ; for
quickness is the result of much practice, and ought not at first to
be expected. •
2. Becruits must be carried on progressively; they should
comprehend one thing before they proceed to another. They
should not be kept too long at any particular part of their exercise,
so as to fatigue or make them uneasy.
II.
Duration of Drills, &c.—Short and frequent drills are always to
be preferred to long lessons, which exhaust the attention both of
the instructor and Eecruit ; and too much pains cannot be taken
by those entrusted with the instruction of the constables to move
them on progressively, from squad to squad, according to their
merit, so that the quick, intelligent man may not be kept back by
those of inferior capacity. To arrive at the first squad should be
made an object of emulation.
III.
1. Words of Command.—Every command must be loud, and
distinctly pronounced as it is written.
2. Every command that consists of one word must be preceded
by a caution : the caution or cautionary part of a command must
be articulated slowly and distinctly, the last or executive part,
which, in general, should consist of only one word or syllable,
must be given sharply and quickly, as Company—Malt : Bight
Half—Face.
3. The foregoing rule does not apply to the words and numbers
I PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
given in the Extension Motions and Balance Step, where the words
must be given sharply when the motion is to be quick, and slowly
and smoothly when the motion required is of that nature.
4. When the last word of a caution is the signal for any
preparatory movement, it will be given as an executive word, and
separated from the rest of the command by a pause, as, On the
Bight Backwards— Wheel. Quick—March, as though they were
two separate commands, each with its caution and executive word.
5. Officers and serjeants should frequently be practised in giving
words of command. It will be found a good plan to practise
several officers or serjeants together in giving words of command
simultaneously, the time and pitch being first given by the in
structor.
KECKUIT OE SQUAD DEILL, SINGLY, OE IN OPEN
FILES.
Sec. 1.—Position of the Constable.
The exact squareness of the shoulders and body to the front is
the first and great principle of the position of a constable. The
heels must be in line, and closed ; the knees straight ; the toes
turned out, so that the feet may form an angle of 60 degrees ; the
arms hanging easily from the shoulder, the elbows slightly turned
out ; the hands open, with the knuckles inclining to the front ;
the hips rather drawn back, and the breast advanced, but without
constraint ; the body straight, and inclining forward, so that the
weight of it may bear principally on the fore part of the feet ; , the
head to be erect, but not thrown back, the chin slightly drawn in,
and the eyes looking straight to the front.
N.B.—The words in the margin, which are printed in Balics,
are the words of command to be given by the instructor.
All words of command, and particularly the words Halt and
March, must be given distinctly and loudly.
Sec. 2.—Standing at Ease.
Stand at— On the word Stand at—Ease, the left foot will be
Ease. carried forward six inches, toes to the left front, feet
separated, the greatest part of the weight of the body
brought upon the right leg; the left knee a little
bent; the hands will be brought together before the
body, the palms being struck smartly together, and
SINGLY, OR IN OPEN FILES. 6
that of the right hand then slipped over the hack of
the left ; but the shoulders will be kept back and
square ; the head to the front, and the whole attitude
without constraint.
Squad—. On the word Attention, the hands will fall smartly
Attention, upon the outside of the thigh ; the left heel will be
brought back in a line with the right, and the proper
unconstrained position of a constable immediately
resumed.
If the command to Stand at—Ease is followed by the word Stand
Easy, the men will be permitted to move their limbs, but without
quitting their ground, so that upon the word Attention no one shall
have materially lost his dressing in line.
Before calling men to attention, when they are standing easy,
the caution Eyes—Front must be given, upon which every constable
will resume his position as described in the Stand at—Ease, and
remain steady.
Sec. 3.—Dressing in Open Files.
Eyes— On the words Eyes—Bight, the eyes will be directed
Bight. to the right with a slight turn of the head.
Dress. On the word Dress, each constable, except the
right-hand man, will extend his right arm, palm of
the hand upwards, nails touching the shoulder of the
man on his right; at the same time he will take up
his dressing in line by moving till he is just able to
distinguish the lower part of the face of the second
man beyond him ; in so doing, care must be taken
that he carries his body backward or forward with the
feet, moving to his dressing with short quick steps,
and that his squareness of position is retained
throughout.
Eyes— On the words Eyes—Front, the eyes and head are to
Front. be turned to the front, the arm dropped, and the first
position resumed.
Dressing by the left will be practised in like manner.
Sec. 4.—Extension Motions.
In order to open the chest, and give freedom to the muscles,
the following extension motions will be practised.
Men in squads at open order will be faced a half face to the
right, before commencing the following movements.
PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
First Practice.
One. On the word One, bring the hands and arms to the
front till the fingers meet at the points, nails down
wards, then raise them in a circular direction over the
head, the ends of the fingers still touching and print
ing downwards so as- to touch the top of the helmet,
thumbs pointing to the rear, elbows pressed back,
shoulders kept down.
Two. On the word Two, throw the hands up, extending the
arms smartly upwards, palms of the hands inwards,
then force them obliquely back, and gradually let
them fall to the position of attention, endeavouring as
much as possible to elevate the neck and chest.
Three. On the word Three, raise the arms outwards from the
sides without bending the elbow, pressing the shoul
ders back, until the hands meet above the head, palms
to the front, fingers pointing upwards, thumbs locked,
left thumb in front.
Four. On the word Four, bend over until the hands touch
the feet, keeping the arms and knees straight, the head
being brought down in the same direction ; after a
slight pause raise the body gradually and bring the
arms to the sides, and resume the position of attention.
N.B.—The foregoing motions are to be done slowly, so that the
muscles will be exerted throughout.
Second Practice.
One. On the word One, raise the hands in front of the
body at the full extent of the arms, and in line with
the mouth, palms meeting but without noise, thumbs
close to the forefingers.
Two. On the word Two, separate the hands smartly,
throwing them well back, slanting downwards, at the
same time raise the body on the fore part of the feet.
One. On the word One, bring the arms forward to the
position above described, and so on.
Three. On the word Three, resume smartly the position of
attention.
In this practice the second motion may be continued without
SINGLY, OR IN OPEN FILES. 5
repeating the words One, Two, by giving the order Continue the
Motion ; the squad will then take the time from the right file ;
on the word Steady the men will remain at the second position,
and at the word Three resume the position of attention.
Third Practice.
The squad will make a half face to the right into file, previous
to commencing the third practice.
One. On the word One, raise the hands in front of the
body, as in the second practice, but with the hands
clenched.
Two. On the word Two, separate the hands smartly,
throwing the arms back in line with the shoulders,
back of the hands downwards.
Three. On the word Three, swing the arms round as quickly
as possible from front to rear.
Steady. On the word Steady, resume the second position.
Four. On the word Four, let the arms fall smartly to the
position of attention.
When necessary, the third practice may be performed with
clubs.
Sec. 5.—Saluting.
Constables will be practised in saluting, first by numbers, then
judging their own time ; if they are in squads, they will be faced to
the right for the right-hand salute, and to the left for the left-hand
salute.
Bight-hand Salute by Numbers.
One. On the word One, turn the head a little to the left,
and glance the eyes towards the person to be saluted ;
raise the right hand smartly, without bending the
elbow, as high as the shoulder, pointing in the same
direction as the right foot, knuckles upwards, thumb
close to the forefinger.
Two. On the word Two, bring the hand slowly round till
the point of the thumb and the side of the forefinger
touch the rim of the helmet, wrist and fingers slightly
bent, looking the person saluted straight in the face.
PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
Three. On the word Three, bring the hand and arm slowly
to the position attained after the first motion, turning
the head and eyes to the front.
Four. On the word Four, bring the arm down smartly to
the position of attention, without bending the elbow.
Right-hand Salute, judging your own time.
Bight-hand On the word Salute, go through the two first motions
Salute. as described in one and two.
Attention. On the word Attention, come to the position of
attention, by the two motions described in three and
four.
Although constables are taught the motions of saluting at the
halt, it is not intended that they shall salute when standing still ;
if standing, when an officer approaches, they will face towards him
and come to attention ; if sitting, they will rise and stand at atten
tion. At all times when constables arc walking, they will salute
an officer when passing him (whether he is in uniform or not, pro
vided they know him to be an officer), commencing their salute six
paces before they come up to him.
Constables should therefore bo practised in marching two or
three together round the drill ground, saluting points placed on
either side of them, care being taken that they always salute with
the hand farthest from the point saluted ; when several men are
together, the man nearest to that point will give the time.
Sec. 0.—Facings. (Plate I.)
In going through the facings the left heel must never quit the
ground ; the body must rather incline forward, the knees being
kept straight.
To the On the word Face, place the hollow of the right
Bight— foot smartly against the left heel, keeping the shoulders
Face. square to the front.
Two. On the word Tico, raise the toes, and turn a quarter
circle to the right on both heels, which must be
pressed together.
To the On the word Face, place the right heel against the
Left—Face, hollow of the left foot, keeping the shoulders square
to the front.
TO Tin: LEFT-
TO THK HIGH!
FACE.
FACE.
MGHT ABOUT-FACE.
Fig. 3.
TWO THREE
Jig. 4.
RIGHT HALF-
FACE. TWO.
Fig. 5.
TWO.
LEFT HALF
FACE.
THREE.
Fig G.
TWO LEFT ABOUT THREE
QUARTERS-FACE,
SINGLY, OK IN OPEN FILES. 7
Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn a quarter
circle to the left on both heels, which must be pressed
together.
Bight On the word Face, place the ball of the right toe
about—Face, against the left heel, keeping the shoulders square to
the front.
Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn to the
right about on both heels.
Three. On the word Three, bring the right foot smartly
back in a line with the left.
Left On the word Face, place the right heel against the
about—Face, ball of the left toe, keeping the shoulders square to
the front.
Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn to the left
about on both heels.
Three. On the word Three, bring up the right foot smartly
in a line with the left.
Bight (or On the word Face, draw back (or advance) the
Left) half— right foot one inch.
Face.
Two. On the word Two, raise the toes and turn an eighth
of a circle to the right (or left) on both heels.
Right (or When it is necessary to perform the diagonal march
Left) about, to the rear, the constable will receive the words Bight
three-quar- (or Left) about, three-quarters—Face, upon which he
ters—Face, will bring the ball of the right foot (not the ball of
the toe) to the left heel, or the right heel to the ball
of the left foot, and will make a three-quarters face in
the given direction, in the same manner as he faces
about.
Squad— When it is intended to resume the original front,
Front. after any of the foregoing facings, the word of com
mand Front may be given, on which the whole will
face, as accurately as possible, to their former front.
Whether the constable has previously faced to the
right or left about, he will always front by the right
about. But if he has faced to the right about three-
quarters, he will front by the left about three-quarters,
and vice versa.
At squad drill in open files the facings will always be done
by numbers, except when the word Front is given, in which case
8 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
the constable will judge his own time, which must be a pause of
slow time between each motion.
The foot in the first of the above motions is to be earned back
or brought forward without a jerk ; the movement being from the
hip, so that the body is kept perfectly steady until faced.
MAECHING.
Sec. 7.—Length of Step.
In slow or quick time the length of a pace is 30 inches, except
in " stepping out," when it is 33 inches, and in " stepping short " 10.
In " double time " the length of the pace is 36 inches.
The length of the side step, which is always taken in quick
time, is 12 inches.
N.B.—When a constable takes a side pace to clear or cover
another, as in forming four deep, which will be hereafter described,
the pace will be 24 inches.
In stepping back the pace is 30 inches.
See. 8.—Cadence.
In slow time 75 steps
In quick time 110 „
In double time 150 „
Sec. 9.—Position in Marching.
In marching, the constable must maintain the position of the
body as directed in Sec. 1. He must be well balanced on his limbs.
His arms and hands must be kept perfectly steady by his sides ;
care must be taken that the hand does not cling to the thigh, or
partake in the least degree of the movement of the limb. The
body must be kept erect and square to the front. The movement
of the leg must spring from the haunch, and be free and natural.
The foot must be raised sufficiently high to clear the ground with
out grazing it, carried straight to the front and without being
drawn back, placed softly on the ground, so as not to jerk or shake
the body in the slightest degree. The head to be kept well up,
and straight to the front, and the eyes not turned to the right or
left.
Before the squad is put in motion the instructor will take care
62 yards 18 inches 1 are taken
94 „ 16 „ > in a
150 „ - „ minute.
MARCHING. 9
that the men are not only square in their own persons, but in
correct line with each other. Each constable must be taught to
take up a straight line to his front by looking down the centre of
his body between his feet, then lifting his eyes and fixing them
upon some object on the ground straight to his front, at a distance
of about 150 yards ; he will then observe some nearer point in the
same straight line, such as a stone, tuft of grass, cr other casual
object, about 70 yards distant.
Sec. 10.—Balance Step.
The object of the balance step is to teach the constable the free
movement of his limbs, preserving at the same time perfect square
ness of shoulders and the utmost steadiness of body; and no labour
must be spared to attain this first and most essential object, which
forms, indeed, the very foundation of good marching. The in
structor must be careful that the constable does not contract a habit
of drooping or throwing back a shoulder during these motions.
Without gaining Ground.
The caution,—balance step without gaining ground, commencing
with the left FOOT, must first be given.
Front. On the word Front, the left foot will be raised from
the ground by a slight bend of the knee, and carried
gently to the front without a jerk ; the knee being
gradually straightened as the foot is brought forward,
the toe turned out at an angle of 30 degrees, the sole
of the foot kept about three inches from the ground
and parallel to it ; the left heel in line with the right
toe.
Hear. When steady, on the word Rear, the left foot will
be brought gently back (without a jerk), till the toe is
in line with the right heel, the left knee a little bent.
The left foot in this position will not be so flat as
when in front; the toe will be a little depressed.
Front. When steady, the words Front and Rear will be
Rear. repeated several times; and the motions performed
as above described.
Halt. On the word Halt, which should always be given
when the moving foot is in rear, that foot will be
brought to the ground in a line with the other.
o
10 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
The instructor will afterwards make the constable balance upon
the left foot carrying the right foot forward and backward.
Accustoming a recruit to stand on one leg and swing the other
backwards and forwards without constraint is an excellent practice.
Gaining Ground, First Practice.
Caution,—balance step, gaining ground by the word
FORWARD.
Front. On the word Front, the left foot will be carried to
the front, as described in the balance step, without
gaining ground.
Forward. As soon as the men are steady in the above position,
the word Forward will be given, on which the left foot
will be brought to the ground at 30 inches distance from
heel to heel, toes turned out at an angle of 30 degrees,
and the right foot will immediately be raised, and held
extended to the rear, the knee slightly bent. Great
care must be taken that the knees are kept perfectly
straight as long as both feet are touching the ground ;
that the toes remain throughout at the proper angles ;
that the body accompanies the leg, and that the inside
of the heel is placed on the imaginary straight line
that passes through the points on which the constable
is marching ; that the body remains straight, but in
clining forward ; the head erect and neither turned to
the right nor left.
Front. On the word Front the right foot is brought for
ward, and so on.
Halt. On the word Salt, which should always be given
when the moving foot is to the front, that foot will
complete its pace, and the rear foot will be brought
up in line with it.
Gaining Ground, Second Practice.
Caution, —balance step, gaining ground by the word front.
Front. On the word Front, the constable will take a full
pace slowly with his left foot, raise his right foot and
carry it to the front ; heel in line with the left toe,
foot turned out at an angle of 30 degrees, and then
MARCHING. 11
pause till the word Front is repeated, on which the
right foot will be brought to the ground 30 inches to
the front, and the left immediately brought forward,
and so on.
When the constable becomes steady in this practice,
he will gradually be carried on to the slow march, by
repeating the word Front quicker and quicker, finally
Slow. giving the word Slow, on which he will move on
steadily in slow time.
In this practice great care must be taken that the body is kept
well forward, and that the constable does not contract a habit of
leaning or swinging backward.
Sec. 11.—Slow Step.
Slow— On the word March, the left foot is carried 30
March, inches to the front, and without being drawn back is
placed softly on the ground, so as not to jerk or shake
the body.
The recruit must be carefully trained, and thoroughly instructed
in this step, as an essential foundation for arriving at accuracy in
the paces of greater celerity.
Sec. 12.—The Halt.
Squad— On the word Halt, the moving foot will complete its
Halt. pace, and the rear foot be brought up in line with it.
After the word Halt, men will stand perfectly steady, in what
ever position they may be, unless ordered to Dress.
Sec. 13.—Stepping Out.
Step-out. When marching in slow time, on the words Step-
out, the constable must be taught to lengthen his step
to 33 inches, by leaning forward a little, but without
altering the cadence.
This step is necessary when a temporary exertion to the front
is required, and is applied, both to slow and quick time ; and at the
words Slow (or Quick) the pace of 30 inches will be resumed.
c 2
12 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.
Sec. 14.—Stepping Short.
Step—short. On the words Step—short, the foot advancing will
finish its pace, and afterwards each constable will take
paces of 10 inches until the word Forward is given,
when the usual pace of 30 inches will be resumed.
This step is useful when a slight check is at any time required.
Sec. 15.—Marking Time in the Slow Cadence.
Mark— On the words Mark—Time, the foot then advancing
Time. will complete its pace, after which the cadence will
be continued, without gaining ground, by alternately
throwing out each foot and bringing it back square
with the other ; at the word Forward, the usual pace
of 30 inches will be resumed.
If men are required to mark time in the slow cadence from the
halt, the word of command will be Mark Time—slow.
Sec. 16.—The Side or Closing Step.
The side or closing step is performed from the halt in quick
time.
Bight In closing to the right, on the words Quick March
Close, each man will carry his right foot about 12 inches
Quick— directly to his right, and instantly close his left foot
March, to it, thus completing the pace ; and proceed to take
the next step in the same manner ; the whole with
perfect precision of time, shoulders kept square,
knees not bent (unless on rough or broken ground),
Squad— and in a straight line. At the word Halt, the men
Halt. will bring their heels together, turn their eyes to the
front, and remain steady.
Constables must also be practised in taking any given number
of paces to either flank, and then halting without word of com
mand ; the command to be given thus, Three paces right close,
Quick—March.
Time is of great importance in the side step, each pace should
be taken and the heels brought up together again, in the same time
that a pace is taken in the quick march.
MARCHING. 13
Sec. 17.—Stepping Back in Slow Time.
Step Back, In stepping back, the pace will be 30 inches, and
Slow— the cadences the same as in the slow march. Con-
March. stables must be taught to move straight to the real',
preserving their shoulders square to the front and
Halt. bodies erect. On the word Halt, the foot in front
must be brought back square with the other.
A few paces only of the step back can be necessary at a time.
Sec. 18.—Changing Feet.
Change— To change feet in marching, the advanced foot will
Feet. complete its pace, and the ball of the rear foot will be
brought up quickly to the heel of the advanced one,
which will instantly make another step forwards, so
that the cadence will not be lost ; in fact, two succes
sive steps will be taken with the same foot.
This may be required when any part of a company or a single
constable is stepping with a different foot from the rest.
Sec. 19.—The Quick Step.
The cadence of the slow march having become perfectly habi
tual to the constable, he will be taught to march in quick time.
Quick — On the word March, the squad will move off con-
March. forming to the directions given in Sec. 9.
When a constable is perfectly grounded in marching in quick
time, all the alterations of step laid down for the slow march must
be practised in quick time.
In marking time at the quick cadence, the feet will not be
thrown out and brought back as in slow time, but will simply be
raised alternately about three inches from the ground.
From the halt the word of command will be Mark Time—
Quick.
Sec. 20.—The Double March.
The directions for the march, in the preceding sections, apply
in a great degree to this step.
Double— On the words Double—March, the men will step off
March, together with the left feet ; at the same time raising
14 PAET T.—SQUAD DRILL,
their hands as high as the waist, carrying back the
elbows and clenching the fists, the flat part of the arm
to the side ; keeping the head erect, and the shoulders
square to the front ; the knees a little bent ; the body
being more advanced than in the other marches. The
instructor will be careful to habituate the constable to
the full pace of 36 inches, otherwise he will get into the
habit of a short trot, which would defeat the obvious
advantages of this degree of march.
Squad— As in Sec. 12, at the same time dropping the hands
Halt. and extending the fingers.
The constable will be taught to mark time in the double
eadence in the same manner as in quick time.
Sec. 21.—Turning when on the March.
Constables must be practised in turning to the right and left,
on the march, when in open files ; but they should not continue to
march in files longer than is necessary to enable them to get steady
before turning again to the front.
Squad. To 1. Turning to the Bight and then to the Front.—On
the Bight— the word Turn, which should be given as the left foot
Turn. is coming to the ground, each constable will turn his
body at right angles to the direction in which he has
been moving, and move on at once, without checking
his pace, in the new direction.
Squad. On the word Turn, which should be given as the
Front— right foot is coming to the ground, each constable
Turn. will turn again to the front and move on without
checking the pace.
Squad. 2. Turning to the Left and then to the Front. —
To the Left Constables will turn to the left in like manner, the
—Turn, word being given as the right foot is coming to
Squad. the ground—after which they will turn to the front,
Front— the word being given as the left foot is coming to the
Turn. ground.
A constable will always turn to the right, on the left foot < and
to the left, on the right foot. If the word Turn is not given as the
proper foot is coming to the ground, the constable will move on
one pace more, and then turn.
3. Making a Half Turn to the Bight or Left.—Constables must
also be practised in making a half turn to the right and left, and
WITH INTERVALS. 15
then moving on without checking the pace in a diagonal direction,
taking up fresh points at once, to march on.
4. Turning to the Bight awl Left about.—Constables will also be
taught to turn about on the march, which must be done in three
short paces, without losing the cadence. Having completed the
turn, the constable will at once move off in the opposite direction
to that in which he was previously marching, the fourth pace being
a full pace of 30 inches.
SQUAD DEILL, WITH INTEEVALS OF SIX INCHES.
Sec. 22.—Formation in Single Rank, at Six Inches
Distance.
When the foregoing sections have been practised, singly or in
squads at open order, a few men will be formed in single rank at
intervals of about six inches ; the distance will be taken from the
right by each one except the one on the right, placing his right
hand on his hip joint, the thumb in rear, and fingers in front of
the body, with the elbow out sideways, and then closing towards the
right file till the point of his elbow touches the arm of the man
on his right. This distance may in like manner be taken from
the left.
The squad thus formed will be practised in all the degrees of
march and varieties of step that have been taught in open order.
SQUAD DEILL IN CLOSE FILES.
Sec. 23.—Single Rank in Close Files.
At this stage of the drill a few constables will be formed in
single rank and be carefully instructed in the touch, which in close
files constitutes the principal guide and regulator in marching.
Each man, when properly in line, should feel his right or left
hand man (towards the pivot flank) at the thick part of the arm,
immediately below the elbow ; the body must be preserved in the
position described in Sec. 1 ; but in close files the palms of the
hands will be turned flat to the thighs ; the elbow must be close to
the side, the thumb as far back as the seams of the trousers, and
close to the forefinger.
The flank towards which men are ordered to touch, is called
the Pivot flank, the opposite flank is called the Eererse flank.
16 PART I.—SQUAD DKILL
Before a squad is ordered to march the pivot flank must be decided
by the caution, By the right, or By the left.
Sec. 24.—Dressing when Halted.
In dressing, each constable will cast his eye towards the flank
to which he is ordered to dress, with a slight turn of the head, as
directed in Sec. 3 ; he must carry his body backward or forward
with the feet, moving to his dressing with short quick steps;
bending backward or forward must be avoided ; his shoulders
must be kept perfectly square, and the correct position retained
throughout.
Twofiles on Preparatory to teaching a squad to dress to tho
the right right, the drill instructor must order the two files on
and one on the right and one on the left, to take a pace and a half
the left, a to the front ; having completed his pace and a half,
pace and a the right-hand man will take four side paces to his
half to the right ; and the three points thus placed will raise
front— their right arms from the elbow at right angles to
March. bodies.
File by file The instructor, having ascertained that the points
by the right are in line, will order his squad to dress up file by
—Dress up. file. The third file from the right will take one pace
to his front with the left foot, and shuffle up into line
in the manner already described ; as soon as he is
steady, the next file will proceed in like manner, and
so on to the left. The faces of the men, and not their
breasts or feet, are the line of dressing. Each man is
to be able just to distinguish the lower part of the face
of the second man beyond him.
Eyes— When the instructor is satisfied that the line is
Front. correct, he will give the words Eyes—Front, on which
the men will turn their heads and eyes to the front,
the three points will drop their right hands, and the
right-hand man will close on the squad.
In like manner the squad must be taught to dress up file by
file by the left ; also to dress back file by file by the right and
left.
The men must next be taught to dress forward and backward,
taking the pace together, but shuffling up or back in succession, the
same points being given as in dressing file by file. The words of
command will be Squad, By the Bight (or Left)—Dress Up, or By
the Bight (or Left)—Dress Back.
IN CLOSE FILES. 17
All dressing is performed on the foregoing principles. When
the men are on the alignment they have to occupy, and their dress
ing is simply to be corrected, the words Eyes Bight (or Left)—
Dress, or after the word Halt, the word Dress only will be given,
and they will shuffle up or back to their places successively, com
mencing with the man on the flank from which they are dressed.
When no man is placed for that purpose, the officer or instructor
should invariably fix upon some casual object on which to dress his
line.
Sec. 25 —Marching to the Front and Eear.
The general principles already laid down apply equally to the
inarch in close files.
During the march, care must be taken that neither the head
nor tho eyes are ever turned towards either flank (except when
wheeling), that the dressing is kept by the touch only, and that the
shoulders are kept perfectly square.
Squads will first be taught to march straight to the front in close
files, both by the right and left, in slow and quick time ; they will
then be practised in all the varieties of step and in marking time,
in both cadences ; they will also be exercised in the double time.
The instructor should occasionally remain halted in rear of the
pivot men, and by fixing his eyes on some distant object ascertain
if the squad is marching straight to its front.
When a constable loses his touch, or finds himself a little behind
or before the other men of his squad, he must be taught to recover
his place in the rank very gradually, and on no account to jump or
rush to it, which would necessarily make him unsteady, and spoil
the marching of the rest of the squad.
Sec. 26.—Wheeling of a Single Rank in Slow Time,
from the Halt.
Right— 1. Wheeling forwards —At the words Bight—Wheel
Wheel. the right-hand man will face to the right, on the word
Slow— March, the squad will step off, the whole turning their
March. eyes to the left (the wheeling or outward flank), except
the left-hand man, who will look inwards, and step
the usual pace of 30 inches, every other man shorten
ing his pace in proportion to his distance from the
standing flank on which the wheel is made. During
the wheel, each man must touch lightly towards the
pivot, or standing flank, keeping his shoulders square
in line ; crowding must be carefully avoided.
18 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL
Squad— On the word Rait, the men will halt and turn their
Halt. eyes to the front ; at the word Dress, they will take up
Dress. their dressing by the right, as already described.
Eyes— On the word Eyes—Front, the men will turn their
Front. heads and eyes to the front, and remain steady.
In like manner the men will be practised in wheeling to the left.
Nothing will tend sooner to enable the recruit to acquire the
proper step, according to his distance from the pivot, than con
tinuing the wheel without halting for several revolutions of the
circle.
On the 2. Wheeling backwards.—At the words On the Right,
Bight, backwards—wheel, the right-hand man will face to his
backwards— left. At the word March, the whole will step back,
wheel. turning their eyes towards the left or wheeling flank,
Sl''w—. except the left-hand man, who will look inwards and
March, step a full pace of 30 inches, every other man will
shorten his pace in proportion to his distance from
the standing flank, to which he keeps a light touch as
in wheeling forward.
Squad— On the word Halt, the men will halt and turn their
Halt. eyes to the front ; on the word Dress, they will look
Dress. to the pivot flank and dress.
In like manner squads will be taught to wheel backwards on
the left.
No rank nor ranks of more than 12 files should be wheeled
backwards ; they should be faced about and then wheeled forwards.
Wheeling to the right and left, on a halted pivot ; and wheeling
backwards, must be practised in quick as well as slow time.
Sec. 27.—Changing Direction by the Wheel of a
single Rank on a movable Pivot.
Bight— When the squad marching to the front is required
wheel. to change direction to the right, it will receive the
word Bight—Wheel ; upon which the men will wheel
to the right on the principle explained in Sec. 26, the
pivot man bringing his shoulders gradually round
with the squad, at the same time circling round the
wheeling point with very short paces.
Forward. On the word Forward, the whole will turn their
eyes to the front and step off at the full pace of 30
inches.
PLATE II.
Fig. 1 .
THE DIAGONAL MARCH
RIGHT HALF-FACE, QUICK MARCH. HALT-FROF*1*
ULI 111,1 I UJ.IJ, I, l'"
FILES FORMING SQUAD.
Fig. 2.
FRONT FORM-SQUAD,
m
Fig. 3.
IN DOUBLE TIME, FRJ
FORM-SQUAD.
L-L-L 1,1,1,1
Vl'luJt
Va ! i
m \
b .2
Fig. 4,
ON THE LEADING MAN
RIGHT FORM-SQUAD.
a □ a a □ a ^
i_i
Fig. 5.
ON THE LEADING MAN
RIGHT ABOUT FOHM-SQU.
c\ □ [j n n a
CZl
i Von
8,1 « be i°ne a «\il *• Mid* *
Sec-28- «k'^tt*i**»*^A^-^ "
PLATE II.
Pig.l.
THE DIAGONAL MARCH
RIGHT HALT-FACE, QUICK MARCH. HALT-FRONT.
I. I, I, I. Ij, I, I, I. I, I, I, I, I, I, I
/ / / / / / / /'/ .' ,'' / >'
/*
±±H
Fig. 2.
FRONT FORM-SQUAD,
FILES FORMING SQUAD.
Fig. 3.
IN DOUBLE TIME, FRONT
FORM-SQUAD.
1,1,1 1,1 l
\\Wq=rp
& ! i i 'A\i I i
\\V\\\ ;'^
w\tn
Fig. 4.
ON THE LEADING MAN
RLGHT FORM-SQUAD.
annaan *en
Fig. 5.
ON THE LEADING MAN,
RIGHT ABOUT FORM-SQUAD
^aanaaj
*C7 :P
IN CLOSE FILES. 19
The instructor will give his word Forward when he sees that
the rank is within one pace of the front on which he intends it to
move : which may be done at any degree of the circle.
In like manner, the squad will be taught to change direction to
the left.
After the wheels on a movable pivot have been taught in slow
time, they will be practised in quick and in double time.
Sec 28.—The Diagonal March. (Plate II.)
.tBight Half— This march will first be practised from the halt by
Face. facing the men a half face to the right ; on the word
Slow— March, they will move on the diagonal lines upon
March, which they are individually placed in echelon.
Halt— Upon this word the squad will halt, and face to its
Front. original front.
When the squad is marching to the front, and is
required to take an oblique direction to the right, the
Bight word Bight half—Turn, will be given, upon which the
Half— men will turn the eighth of a circle to the right and
Turn move diagonally in that direction as described from
the halt; and when it is intended to resume the
Front— original direction, the word Front—Turn, will be given,
Turn. on which every man will turn to his front and move
forward without checking the pace.
In like manner the diagonal march will be practised to the left,
from the halt and on the march. The diagonal march will also be
practised in quick, and double time.
During the diagonal march the leading flank will be the pivot
for the time being; for instance, when a squad or company is
moving diagonally to the right, the right-hand man will be the
pivot, and must, therefore, pay particular attention to his pace and
direction, as the accuracy of the movement will depend much upon
him. The other files must be careful that their right arms do not
got beyond the centre of the men's backs who precede them in
echelon; if they keep this position, their right feet will just clear
the left of the preceding file.
Sec. 29.—File Marching.
To the Constables must be first faced, and then be in-
Bight structed to cover each other, while marching, exactly
20 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL
(or Left)— in file, so that the head of the man immediately before
-Face. each constable will conceal the heads of all the others
in his front.
The strictest observance to all the rules for march
ing is particularly necessary in file marching.
Slow—. On the word March, the whole are immediately to
March. step off together, gaining at the first step 30 inches,
and will so continue to step without increasing or
diminishing the distance between the files, every man
placing his foot on the ground, in advance of the spot
from which his preceding man has taken up his foot.
No looking down, nor leaning backwards is to be
allowed. The leader is to be directed to march
straight forward on some distant objects.
Halt—Front. On the words Halt—Front, the men will halt, and
face to their original front, and if the file marching
has been properly performed, their dressing and touch
will be found correct.
When the constable is sufficiently practised in file
marching from the halt, he will be taught when march
ing to the front in line to turn into file ; the word
To the Turn should be given as the left foot is coming to the
Bight— ground, on which the cons: able will turn his body to
Turn. the right, and move on in file as already described.
Front— The original direction is resumed by giving the
Turn. words Front—Turn, on which the constable will turn
his body to the front, and then move on steadily in line.
The word Turn should here be given as the right foot
is coming to the ground.
In like manner the men will be taught to turn to the left from
line into file, and from file again to the front ; the last sound of the
words To the Left— Turn, being given as the right foot is coming to
the ground, and the last sound of the words Front—Turn, as the left
foot is coming to the ground.
Sec. 30.—Wheeling in File.
Bight (or The squad, when marching in file, must be taught
Left)— to wheel in either direction, files following successively
Wheel, without increasing or diminishing the distances from
each other ; in this movement each file will make its
separate wheel on a pivot movable in a small degree,
IN CLOSK FILES. 21
without altering the cadence of march, but lengthening
the pace a little with the outward foot.
The squad will also practise the march and the wheel in files in
quick time, but never in double time.
Sec. 31.—Files forming Squad.
Front 1. To the Front in Slow or Quick Time.—When the
Form— squad marching in files is ordered to form to the front,
Squad. the leading file will mark time ; the remaining files
when right is in front, will turn to the left, and wheel
to the right, looking to the outward flank and feeling
inwards, as described in Sec. 26 of this Part.
Forward, As soon as the quarter circle is completed, the word
or Halt— Forward will be given, if the march is to be continued,
Dress. or Halt—Dress if the squad is to be halted.
In Double 2. To the Front in Double Time.—When a squad
Time, Front marching in files, right in front, is required to form
Form— to the front, in double time, the leading file will move
Squad. on steadily in quick time, the remainder will make a
half turn to the left, double up to their places, and
take up the quick time successively as they arrive in
line with the leading file.
On the 3. To the Reverse Flank.—When marching in file,
Leading right in front, at this word of command, the leading
File, Might file will turn to the right, take two paces to his front,
Form — and halt ; the remainder of the squad will form on the
Squad. left of the right file in succession.
On the 4. To the Bight—About.—At this word the leading
Leading file will wheel to the right about, and take two paces
File, Right to the front after wheeling ; the remainder of the
about Form—squad will march on in files, wheeling to the right
Squad. on the spot where the leading file has wheeled, and
forming to the right by successive files, as already
described.
When marching in files, left in front, a squad will be formed to
the front, left, or left about, on the same principle as it is formed
to the front, right, or right about, when the right is in front.
Sec. 32.—The Side or Closing Step.
The side or closing step will now be practised in close files,
the men judging their own time, on the principles laid down in
Sec. 16, each man carrying his foot as far as the foot of the man
/
22 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL
next to him. Care must be taken that the shoulders are kept square,
and the paces made in a direct line to the flank. During the side
step, the touch must bo kept to the closing flank.
The men must be practised in changing the pace, without halt
ing, from slow to quick and double, and from quick to slow time,
as well as from quick to double, and from double to quick, but
never from double to slow time.
SQUAD DRILL IN TWO RANKS.
Sec. 33.—Formation of Squad in Two Ranks.
The squad will now be formed in two ranks. The men will fall
in, taking their places in succession, commencing from the flank on
which they are ordered to form ; each rear-rank man will be placed
one pace of 30 inches from his front-rank man, measuring from
heel to heel, and will cover him correctly, looking at the middle of
his neck.
Sec. 34.—Dressing.
The front-rank will dress as described in Sec. 24. The rear-
rank men will continue looking to thoir front, and will cover and
correct their distances as the front-rank men take up their dressing.
Sec. 35.—Taking Open Order.
Bear Bank From the Halt.—On the word Order, the flank men
take Open— on tho right and left of the rear rank will step back
Order. two paces, and face to the right.
March. On the word March, the flank men will front and
raise their right hands from tho elbow at right angles
to the body, and the rear rank will step back two
paces.
Bear Bank— On the word Dress, the rear rank will dress by the
Dress. right. Care must be taken not to move the flank men
when dressing the rear rank.
Eyes— On the word Front, the rear-rank men will turn
Front. their eyes to the front, and the pivot-men will drop
their hands.
IN TWO RANKS. 23
Rear Rank On the word March, the rear rank will step forward
take Close two paces, resuming the regular distance of close order
Order—. from the front rank.
March.
Rear Rank On the March.—Open order is taken only when
take Open— marching in slow time. On the word Order, the rear
Order. will mark time one pace, and then move on steadily.
Rear Rank On the word Order, the rear-rank men will lengthen
take Close— their pace until they regain their proper distance from
Order, the front rank.
The squad will always be ordered to march by the right before
taking open order.
Sec. 36.—Marching to the Front and Eear.
The squad, in two ranks, will be practised in marching to the
front and rear on the principles already laid down.
By the At the word March, the whole squad will step off
right (or together at the full pace, touching lightly towards the
left). Slow— pivot flank.
March.
Halt. On the word Halt, the squad will halt, and every
man will remain steady.
To the 2. To the Rear.—On the word Face, the squad will
Right— face about.
about Face.
By the On the word March, the whole will step off, rear
right (or rank leading.
left) Slow-
March.
Squad On the words Halt—Front, the squad will halt and
Halt—Front, face to the right about.
Sec. 37.—Marching in Quick and Double Time.
The squad will be practised in marching in quick and double
time, as described in Sees. 19 and 20.
24 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL
Sec. 38.—Marking Time, Stepping Out, Stepping
Short, Changing Feet, Stepping Back, and
the Side Step.
Constables in squads of two ranks must also be practised in
marking time at slow, quick, and double time; in stepping out,
stepping short, changing feet, and stepping back, both in slow and
quick time, and in the side step at quick time only.
Sec. 39.—Wheeling.
Bight— 1. Wheeling forward, from the Halt.—On the word
Wheel. Wheel, the right hand man of the front rank will face
to the right, and his rear-rank man will uncover by
taking a pace to his rear with his right foot and a pace
of 24 inches to his left with his left foot.
Slow or On the word March, the squad will wheel according
Quick— to the instructions laid down in Sec. 26, the rear-rank
March, man of the pivot file regaining his place during the
wheel.
Squad On the word Halt, the squad will halt, and at the
Salt— word Dress, the squad will dress by the pivot flank,
Dress. according to the principle already laid down.
In like manner the squad will be practised in wheeling to the
left, in slow and quick time.
2. Wheeling Backwards.—The squad will be practised in wheel
ing backwards in slow and quick time ; in this wheel the rear-rank
man of the pivot file will not uncover, nor will the pivot man raise
his arm.
3. Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.—The squad will be practised
in wheeling on a movable pivot to the right and left in slow,
quick, and double time, on the principles laid down in Sec. 27.
Sec. 40.—The Diagonal March.
The diagonal march will be practised in two ranks on the prin
ciples laid down in Sec. 29. When taking ground to a flank in
this manner, in addition to the instructions already given, the
rear-rank men must be cautioned to preserve their relative posi
tions with their front-rank men, in order that they may be found
to cover correctly when they are halted and fronted.
IN TWO RANKS. 25
Sec. 41.—File Marching, Wheeling in Files, and
Files forming Squad.
File Marching.—File marching in two ranks will be practised
on the principles laid down in Sec. 29, care being taken that the
rear-rank men dress correctly by their respective front-rank men.
Wheeling in File.—Wheeling in file will be performed on the
principles laid down in Sec. 30 ; the outward rank must step rather
longer during the wheel, especially with the outward foot.
1. Files forming to the Front.—A squad marching in files will
form to the front on the principles laid down in Sec. 31, the rear-
rank men following their front-rank men ; the front-rank man
only of the leading file will mark time, the rear-rank man will turn
with the rest, and move round into his place during the wheel.
2. Files forming to the Reverse Flank, or to the Bight or Left
About, or to the Pivot Flank.—When a squad, marching in files, is
required to form to the reverse flank, or to the right or left about,
the rear rank will form as described in Sec. 31. The front-rank
men will move round their respective rear-rank men, and form
successively in front of them. A squad will form to the pivot flank
simply by halting and fronting.
Sec. 42.—The Formation of Fours.
The squad should now be made up to eight or nine files, and
numbered off from right to left ; and it must be explained to the
men that odd numbers are right files, and even numbers left files,
except when there happens to be an odd number on the left of the
company, in which case, the left file but one, although an even
number, will act as a right file, and the left file of the squad, though
an odd number, will act as a left file, so that there will be two
right files together. Should there be a blank file, that is, a file
without a rear-rank man, it will always be the third file from the
left.
Squad— 1. On the Halt.—On the word Fours, the rear rank
Fours. will step back one pace of 18 inches.
Deep. On the word Deep, the left files will double behind
the right files, by taking a pace of 24 inches to the
rear with their left feet, and a pace of 24 inches to
the right with their right feet.
Squad— On the word Front, the left files will move up in
Front. line with the right files, by taking a pace of 24 inchesy
26 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL
to the left with their left feet, and a pace of 24 inches
to the front with their right feet ; the whole of the
rear-rank men will then close up to their proper dis
tances from the front rank by taking a pace of 18
inches to the front with their left feet.
As already described.
On the word Bight, the squad will face to the right,
and the left files will form on the right of the right
files, by taking one pace of 24 inohes to the right with
the right feet, and one pace of 24 inches to the front
with their left feet.
On the word Front, the squad will face to the left
and re-form two deep, as already described.
As already described.
On the word Left, the squad will face to the left
and the left files will form on the left of the right
files by taking one pace of 24 inches to the left with
their left feet, and one pace of 24 inches to their rear
with the right feet.
On the word Front, the squad will face to the right,
and re-form two deep, as already described.
2. On the March.—The squad will be practised to form fours to
the right or left on the march ; on the word Fours the rear rank
will mark time one pace ; on the word Bight or Left the squad will
turn to the named flank ; the right files will mark time two paces,
while the left files move to their places as when halted ; the whole
squad will then move on in the new direction. On the word Front
—Turn, the squad will form to the front ; the right files will mark
time two paces for the left files to resume their places, and the
rear rank to regain its distance, the whole squad will then march
steadily to the front. The squad when retiring may form fours
in like manner to the right or left, in which case the proper front
rank will mark time one pace on the word Fours.
A squad moving to a flank in fours may be ordered to Form
Two deep, on which the left files will fall back or step up to their
places in file, and the rear rank will close on the front rank ; and
at the word Be-form Four deep the rear rank will incline from the
front rank, and the left files will resume their places in fours.
Squad-
Fours.
Bight.
Squad-
Front.
Squad—
Fours.
Left.
Squad—
Front.
IN TWO BANKS. 27
Sec. 43.—Fours Wheeling and Forming Squad.
1. Wheeling.—A squad taking ground to a flank by fours, will
wheel to the right or left, in the same manner as it wheels in files,
each four wheeling successively round the same point.
3. Farming to the Front.—When a squad taking ground to a
flank by fours is ordered to form to the front, the leading file will
mark time, the remainder will turn, if right is in front, to the left,
if left is in front, to the right, form two deep, and proceed as
described in Sects. 41 and 31 of this Part.
3. Forming to the Reverse Flank or to the Bight or Left About.—
When a squad is ordered to form to the reverse flank, or to the
right or left about, it will at once form two deep, and then proceed
as described in Sects. 41 and 31 of this Part.
Sec. 44.—A Squad formed in Fours closing on a
Flank, and re-forming Two deep.
For the following practices 10 or 12 files should be put together.
On the Bight A squad having formed four deep must be taught
(or Left) to close on the right or left ; the four men on the
Close. Quick named flank standing fast, the remainder closing on
—March, them by the side step.
From the In re-forming two deep, on the words Quick—March,
Bight (or the four men on the named flank will stand fast, the
Left) Be- remainder will open out from them by the side step,
form Two and the left files will move up to their places in line
Deep. in succession as the intervals are opened for them;
Quick— the rear-rank men will step up to their proper dis-
March. tances at the same time.
These formations must also be practised during the march ; on
the words On the Bight (or Left) close, the files on the named flank
will continue to march straight to their front, with a short pace,
the remainder will close on them by the diagonal march.
On the words From the Bight (or Left) Be-form Two Deep, the
four men on the named flank will continue to march to the front
with a short pace, the remainder will incline outwards, and the left
files will move up into the intervals, in succession, as they are
opened for them, the rear-rank men regaining their proper dis
tances at the same time.
d 2
28 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL IN TWO RANKS.
Sec. 45.—Breaking off Files.
A squad must be taught to reduce the breadth of its front by
breaking off files ; files will always be broken off from the pivot
flank. A certain number of files (suppose three) will be broken off,
when left is the pivot, as follows :
Three files on On the word Tarn, the named files will turn to the
the Left, to right, and on the word Wheel, they will wheel to the
the Bight— left, following the left flank of the squad.
Turn. Left—
Wheel.
The front of the squad may be further reduced by any number
of files ; suppose two.
Two Files on On the word Turn, two more files will turn to the
the Left, to right, and on the word Wheel, they will wheel to
the Right— the left, following the left flank of the remainder of the
Turn. Left— squad ; the three files already in rear will mark time,
Wheel. and then incline to the right, and follow close in rear
of the two files now broken off.
Any number of files that have been broken off may be again
ordered to the front, suppose three.
Three FVes On the word Front, the named files will make a
to the—Front, half turn towards the pivot flank, and move up into
their places in line by lengthening their pace, the
remaining files in the rear will incline to the left, with
a lengthened pace till they cover the two files on the
pivot flank.
Two Files to On the word Front, the two remaining files will
the—Front, make a half turn to the left, and move up into line
by lengthening their pace.
All the files may be brought to the front at once by the words
Files to the front.
Files that are broken off must lock well up, so as not to inter
fere with men who may be in their rear.
( 29 )
PART II.
OF THE COMPANY.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
Constables to he formed in a Company.—The constables baying
been thoroughly grounded in all the preceding parts of the drill,
are now to be instructed in the movements of the company ; for
this purpose from 18 to 20 files will be formed and told off as a
company.
II.
Sizing a Company.—The company falls-in in single rank, and
will in the first instance be sized from right to left ; the tallest
man being on the right, the shortest on the left. It then numbers
off and forms two deep, the left files taking a pace to the rear with
their left feet, and a pace to the right with their right feet; the
whole are then closed and dressed on the right file. The rear
rank will then be faced to the left and formed to the right on the
leading file. By this mode of sizing, the tallest man is on the
right, the second tallest man on the left, the third tallest the second
from the right, the fourth second from the left, and so on. The
company is then again told off and forms two deep, the left files of
the right sub-division taking one pace to the rear, and one to the
right ; the left files of the left sub-division taking one pace to
the front and one pace to their right ; the left-hand man of the
company, if a right file, must also take a pace to the front ; lastly,
the whole must close and dress on the right file, the rear rank
covering correctly, leaving the blank file, if there is one, the third
from the left.
HI.
Telling-off of a Company.—The company having been formed
two deep, will be told off in sub-divisions and four sections. If
four officers are present, the senior (when the company is in
30 PART II.—COMPANY.
column of sections) takes the leading section, the next in seniority
the third section, the third in rank the fourth section, and the
junior officer the second. The covering serjeant will cover the
second file from the pivot of the leading section. When there are
only two supernumeraries present, including officers and serjeants,
the covering serjeant will take the second section from the head of
the column.
Should there be a blank file in telling off the company in line,
it will invariably be the third file from the left.
If there are 16 files, number 8 will be the left-hand man of
the right sub-division ; 9 the right of the left sub-division. If
17 files, number 9 the left-hand man of right sub-division ; 10 the
right of left sub-division.
If there are 16 files 4, 8, 12, 16)| Will be the
„ 17 „ 5, 9, 13, 17 | Left-hand
18 „ 5, 9, 13, 18 | Men of
„ 19 „ 5, 10, 14, 19| Sections.
On the number of each file being called, it will be acknow
ledged by raising the right hand in line with the elbow, and
dropping it again instantly.
If the number of men be even, they are equally divided in the
four sections.
If one file over, it goes with the first section.
If two files over, one goes with the first, the other with the
fourth section; thus equalizing the sub-divisions, and making
their flank sections strongest.
If three files over, one goes with the first, another with the
fourth, and the third with the second section ; so that the right
sub-division may be the stronger when both sub-divisions cannot
be made alike.
IV.
Supernumerary Bank.—The junior officers and serjeants will
be formed in a third or supernumerary rank, as will hereafter be
described. Their principal duty in this situation is to keep the
rear rank closed up to the front, and to correct any mistakes that
may occur during the movements of a company or battalion. Too
much attention cannot be paid to these important points.
V.
Relative Proportion of Paces to Files.—Each man occupies a
space of about 24 inches ; therefore, to ascertain the number of
paces of 30 inches required for a given number of files, multiply
GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 31
by 8 and divide by 10, the latter operation being accomplished by
cutting off the last figure, which multiplied by 3 will designate the
odd inches. It will be useful to remember, that 10 files require 8
paces, 20 files 16, and so on—one hundred files 80 paces, a thousand
files 800.
VI.
Applicaiion of Squad Drill.—All the principles laid down for
the instruction of a squad in two ranks, are equally applicable to
the movements of a company ; it is therefore only necessary here to
describe the positions of the officers and serjeants during these
movements, and to add the different movements and formations of
the sub-divisions and sections of a company that have not hitherto
been explained.
VII.
Companies to be drilled as if with the Battalion.—When a com
pany falls-in alone, it will be formed as a company in line, but in
order to teach officers and serjeants as far as possible the different
positions they will occupy in battalion drill, a company will be
drilled as though it were with a battalion. The instructor must
state previous to each movement the supposed formation of the
battalion, upon which the officers and serjeants must be taught to
move at once to their proper places.
vm.
Companies to be exercised by their own Officers.—Every company
must be frequently exercised by its own officers, the senior acting
as drill instructor, one of the others taking his place. On a space
of 70 or 80 yards square, every movement and formation may be
practised that is necessary to qualify the company for the operations
of the battalion.
IX.
Company to exercise on Bough Ground.—A company must be
exercised on rough and broken ground, as well as on smooth and
level ground, and the rank which is in front during one drill should
be in rear during the next, in order that every man may be equally
well drilled.
Assembling on Coverers.—Men should frequently be practised in
assembling, and forming company on their covering serjeants ; for
this purpose, the company should be dispersed, and when the men
''
/
32 PART II.—COMPANY.
are scattered over the exercise ground, the word Close will be given,
on which they will run in and form company (as in column right
in front) on the covering serjeant, who will previously be placed
for that purpose.
XI.
Marching on Points, andjudging Distance.—In order that officers
and serjeants may be thoroughly trained in those important parts
of their duty, they should frequently be practised separately, in
marching on points, and judging distances ; in the former exercise,
the instructor must remain standing in rear of the officer or serjeant
while he is marching, to see that he moves perfectly straight to his
front. In the latter exercise, the instructor must make use of a
measuring line to prove the distances, which may be taken by a
number of officers or serjeants, on the same alignment one beyond
another. The instructor must name the number of files for which
they are to take up distance.
XII.
General Bules.—The following general rules will be observed,
in the movements of a company, whether alone or with the battalion ;
although they may not be repeated in the description of each
manoeuvre.
1. At all times, when a company, sub-division, or section wheels
forward, the rear-rank man of the pivot file will uncover by taking
a pace to his rear, and a pace of 24 inches to his side, so as to cover
the rear-rank man of the file next to him.
2. When a company, sub-division, or section wheels back,
whether it is faced about to wheel, or not, the rear-rank man of the
pivot file will remain in his place, and will not uncover.
3. Serjeants marking points for their companies to dress upon,
when deploying into or forming line, will stand facing towards the
point of appui ; they will be placed at arm's length in front of
the alignment, and when the men approach them they will hold
out their inner arms at right angles to their bodies with their
fists clenched, on which the line will dress. Thus all lines will be
dressed at arm's length in rear of the line of coverers. A serjeant
marking a point will drop his arm as soon as his company are
dressed.
4. When the officer commanding a company is required to
change his flank, whether his company be in column or in line,
halted or on the march, he will pass by the rear in double time.
In wheeling, however, on a movable pivot, from a column right
IN LINE AND COLUMN. 33
in front into line, and vice versa, and in forming company to the
front from files or fours, the officer commanding the company
will move across the front, as explained in Sees. 10 and 17 of
this Fart ; these cases may he considered exceptions to the above
rule. When a company, sub-division, or section is in files or fours,
its leader, if required to change his flank, will pass by the shortest
line.
5. "When the senior officer of a company changes his flank the
coverer, if not required to take a point, will change with him ;
the next in seniority will also make a corresponding change.
6. When the leader of a company, sub-division, or section
changes his flank on the march, he will give the words, By the
right, or By the left, as he falls-in in his new place ; if he changes
during a wheel, the above words will_ immediately follow the word,
Forward.
7. Commanders of companies, previously to giving a word of
command, should call out the number of their companies thus,
No. 1—Halt. When in motion, executive words must be given as
the men are commencing the pace, which will bring them to the
spot on which the command ha^ to be executed. The cautionary
part of the word must, therefore, be commenced accordingly.
N.B.—In Parts II. and III., in order to distinguish the words
of command given by the instructor of the drill or the commander of
the battalion, from those given by the commander of the company
or its sub-divisions or sections, the commands of the former are in
capital letters, those of the latter in italic.
A COMPANY IN LINE AND COLUMN.
Sec. 1.—Formation of a Company in Line.
Caution,—as a company in line.
1. Formation in Close Order.— On the above caution, the senior
officer will place himself on the right of the front rank, covered by
his covering serjeant, who will be on the right of the rear rank ;
the remaining officers and serjeants will place themselves, in a
third or supernumerary rank, three paces from the rear rank ; the
next in seniority in rear of the second file from the left, the third
in rank in rear of the centre of the company, the third super
34 PART II.—COMPANY.
numerary in rear of the left sub-division, the fourth in rear of the
right, the fifth in rear of the left, and so on. The serjeant on
the right of the supernumerary rank will dress the rear and
supernumerary ranks, and will give the words Eyes—Front, as the
dressing of each is completed.
When a company is formed in line, if the senior officer is
required to change his flank he will pass by the rear, except when
it is preparatory to closing to the right or left, and in a few move
ments, which will hereafter be explained. The covering serjeants
and supernumeraries will always pass by the rear.
Sec. 2.—Formation of a Company in Column.
Caution,—as a company in column right (or left) in fbont.
On the caution, the senior officer will place himself on the
pivot flank of the front rank to lead his company, the next in
seniority will place himself one pace in rear of the second file
from the reverse flank, and the covering serjeant, one pace in rear
of the second file from the pivot flank. The places of the re
maining supernumeraries will be the same as in line, but at one
pace distance from the rear rank.
When the column is right in front, that is when the company
that stands on the right, when in line, is in front, the left will be
the pivot flank of each company ; when the column is left in front,
the right will be the pivot flank of each company.
When a company is in column, either halted or on the march,
and the senior officer is required to change his flank, he will
always pass by the rear, except during some wheels from line to
column, and column to line, which will hereafter be explained.
The covering serjeant and the supernumeraries will also cross by
the rear.
Sec. 3.—Marching to the Front and Bear.
1. Marching, to the Front.—The instructor, having stated the
supposed order of the battalion, will proceed as follows.
the line (or On the word advance the senior officer will care-
coltjmn) fully select points to march upon.
will—
ADVANCE.
slow (quick As described in Part I.
or double)
—MARCH.
WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 35
2. Marching to the Bear.—When the company is to retire, the
cantion, the link (or column) will betibe, will be given ; the men
will then be faced about, and the blank files will step up in line
with the proper rear rank. The senior officer, if the company is
in column, will also step up in line with the proper rear and select
points to march on ; but if the company is in line, he will remain
on the flank of the proper front rank.
WHEELING FKOM THE HALT.
Sec. 4.—A Company Wheeling, from the Halt,
from Column into Line.
A company will wheel from column into line, and line into
column, on the principles laid down in Section 39, Part L The
officers and serjeants will move as follows.
Caution,—a company in column bight in fbont.
left wheel On the word line, the senior officer will place
into—line, himself one pace in front of the second file from the
left ; the covering serjeant will run to the front, and
mark the spot on which the right of the company will
rest, when the wheel is completed ; he will stand
facing in the direction of the new front, and will raise
his right arm from his elbow, looking to his left, and
aligning himself with the pivot man, who will face on
this caution and raise his right arm.
quick— On the word maech, the company will commence
march. its wheel, the senior officer turning towards his men
and moving back round the pivot man to be ready to
dress his company from the left, the next in seniority
moving across to his place in line, and the super
numerary rank gaining its distance from the rear
rank, during the wheel.
Company. The senior officer will give his word Halt, when the
Halt— wheeling flank of his company is two paces from
Dress. the covering serjeant, and immediately follow it by the
word Dress, on which he will dress his men from
the pivot flank.
Eyes— Having completed the dressing, the senior officer
Front. will give the words Eyes-Front, and fall in on the
right of his company, the covering serjeant falling
36 PART il. COMPANY.
back to his place on the right of the rear rank, and
the pivot man dropping his right arm.
A company in column, left in front, will be taught to wheel
into line in a similar manner, on the command bight wheel into
line, &c.
Sec. 5.—A Company Wheeling, from the Halt,
from Line into Column.
Caution,—as a company in line.
open On the word front, the senior officer will move
column, out in quick time and place himself one pace in front
bight in— of the centre of his company, facing to the front, and
front, the covering serjeant will run to the rear, and mark
the spot on which the right of the company will rest,
when the wheel is completed ; he will stand facing in
the direction that the column will face, and raise his
right arm. The pivot man, that is, the left hand
man of the front rank of the company, will face to
the right.
bight On the word face, the company will face about;
about— the pivot man and covering serjeant remaining
face. steady.
bight On the word mabch, the company will commence
wheel, its wheel, the senior officer moving to the pivot flank,
quick— and the next in seniority moving across to his place
makch. in column during the wheel.
Company. The senior officer having given the words Halt,
Halt—Front, Front, Dress, will fall in at once on the left flank of
Dress. his company looking to his front, the covering serjeant
will at the same time move to his proper place in
column, and the supernumerary rank will step up to its
proper distance from the rear rank. Having com
pleted their dressing, the men will turn their eyes to
the front without further word of command.
A company in line will also be taught to wheel into an open
column left in front in like manner, in which case the right hand
man will face to his left on the caution, and the company having
been faced about, will wheel to the left.
WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 37
Sec. 6.—A Company Wheeling a given Number of
Paces, on either Flank, from the Halt.
A company in line or in column may be required to wheel
backward or forward any named number of paces on either flank,
which flank for the time being will be considered the pivot.
— On the word wheel, the covering serjeant will place
faces himself with his back to the seventh file from the
right (or pivot, either in front or rear of it, according to the
left) direction in which the wheel is to be made, and will
wheel, take the number of paces named on the circumference
or — of the circle of which the pivot is the centre, and then
paces on halt ; if the paces are taken to the rear he will halt
the eight and front, the pivot man will face in the direction that
(or left) the company is to face when the wheel is completed,
backwards the senior officer will place himself on the pivot flank
wheel, facing inwards, and correct the position of the pivot
man.
quick On the word march, the company will wheel for-
march. wards or backwards as directed.
Halt— The senior officer will halt his company, as the
Dress. seventh file reaches the covering serjeant, and then
dress it from the pivot flank, taking care not to move
either the seventh or the pivot file.
Eyes— On the word Eyes—Front, the senior officer will take
Front. post on the pivot flank, and the covering serjeant on
the reverse flank of the front rank.
The positions of officers and serjeants during echelon move
ments will hereafter be explained in Part III.
The seventh file wheeling eight paces will complete the quarter
circle, four paces the eighth of a circle, and two paces the sixteenth
of a circle.
No company should be wheeled backwards more than the eighth
of a circle, but should be faced about and wheeled forwards ; the
caution, — paces on the right (or left) backwards— wheel,
should however be first given, on which the pivot man will face,
and the covering serjeant will take his paces, halt, and face about ;
the company will then be faced about, and the words quick—march
will be given.
2. When a company is to remain facing to the rear, and to move
rear rank in front, after wheeling either forward or backward to its
coverer, the movement will be performed in every respect as if the
company were standing front rank in front.
38 PART II.—COMPANY.
Sec. 7.—Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions or
Sections from Line.
BY BUB-
DIVIsIONs
RIGHT—
WHEEL.
QUICK
MARCH.
Caution,—as a company in line.
1. Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions.—On the word
wheel, the senior officer will place himself one pace
in front of the centre of the right sub-division ; at
the same time, the man on the right of the front rank
of each sub-division will face to the right, and their
rear-rank man will uncover.
At the word mabch, each sub-division will step off
and wheel as directed in Sec. 39, Part I., the senior
officer turning towards the men of the leading sub
division, and inclining to its left ; the rear-rank men
of the pivot files regaining their places, and the super
numerary rank closing to one pace from the rear rank
during the wheel.
As the leading sub-division is taking the last step
that completes the wheel of a quarter of a circle,
the senior officer will give the words Halt—Dress,
to the whole company, and post himself on the left,
the proper pivot flank of the right sub-division ; the
covering serjeant passing by the rear, will take his
place in column, one pace in rear of the second file
from the pivot flank of the same sub-division, the
second senior officer will take his post on the pivot
flank of the rear sub-division, the third in rank in
rear of the second file from the reverse flank of the
rear sub-division.
A company will wheel by sub-divisions to the left in like
manner, the senior officer placing himself in front of the left sub
division in the first instance, and falling in on its right flank when
the wheel is completed ; the next in seniority taking post on the
right, and the third in rank in rear of the second file from the left
of the rear sub-division.
halt—.
DREss.
Sec. 8.—Wheeling backwards by Sub-divisions or
Sections, from Line.
by sub- 1. Wheeling back on the Left.—On the word wheel,
divisions the senior officer will place himself one pace in front
(or sections) of the centre of the right sub-division, or section ; the
WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 39
on the left covering serjeant will move back, and mark the spot
backward— on which the right of the leading sub-division or
wheel, section will rest, raising his right arm ; the left-hand
men of the front rank of each sub-division (or section)
facing to the right.
quick— On the word March, the sub-divisions (or sections)
march, will wheel backwards as described in Sec. 39, Part I.,
the senior officer inclining to the left.
Halt— The senior officer will give the words Halt—Dress,
Dress. and take his place on the left of the leading sub-division
(or section), the covering serjeant and supernumeraries
will take their places as described in the preceding
section at the same time.
2. Wheeling bach on the Bight.—In like manner sub-divisions or
sections will wheel backwards on the right.
Sec. 9.—An Open Column of Sub-divisions or
Sections Wheeling into Line.
left 1. A Column Bight in Front, wheeling to the Left into
wheel Line.—On the word line the senior officer will fall
into—line, back and place himself one pace in front of the second
file from the left of the rear sub-division (or section),
in column. The pivot men will face to the left, and
raise their right arms, their rear-rank men will un
cover, the leaders of the rear sub-division (or sections)
will fall back into the supernumerary rank, and the
covering serjeant will move out and mark the spot on
which the right of the company will rest, and will
raise his right arm.
quick— On the word march, the sub-divisions or sections
march, will step off and wheel into line as described in See.
39, Part I. ; the senior officer turning towards his
men, and moving back round the pivot man to be
ready to dress his company from the left. The super
numeraries will move to their places during the
wheel.
Halt— On the words Halt—Dress, the men will halt, and
Dress. the senior officer will dress them from the left.
Eyes— On the words Eyes—Front, the whole will turn their
Front. eyes to the front, the pivot men will drop their right
arms, and the senior officer and covering serjeant
40 PAST II.—COMPANY.
take their places in the line, the former passing by
the rear.
2. A Column Left in Front wheeling to the Bight into Line.—In
like manner a company in column of sub-divisions or sections left
in front, will wheel into line on the command, bight wheel into
line, &c.
WHEELING ON A MOVABLE PIVOT.
Sec. 10.—Wheeling from Line into Column, and
Column into Line.
1. From Column into Line.—While on the march, companies,
sub-divisions, or sections in open column, maybe wheeled into line
on movable pivots by the words bight (or left) wheel into line.
When a company in column right in front wheels into line, the
senior officer will move straight on to his front at a short pace
during the wheel, so as to meet the right of his company as it com
pletes the quarter circle, taking his post on the word forward ; the
next in seniority and covering serjeant at the same time moving to
their places by the rear ; but when a company in column left in
front wheels into line, the senior officer will remain on the right,
the covering serjeant, during the wheel, moving up to his post in
rear of him.
When sub-divisions or sections in open column right in front
wheel into line, the senior officer and covering serjeant will move
as described in the preceding paragraph ; but when sub-divisions
or sections in open column left in front wheel into line, the senior
officer will turn to the right-about on the command, and move
straight back to the right of the company, the coverer moving to
his place round the reverse flank or flanks of the rear sub-division
or sections ; in both cases the rear sub-division leader or rear
section leaders will fall back on the command, and will move,
during the wheel, to their places in the supernumerary rank.
2. From Line into Column.—A line may be wheeled on mov
able pivots, either from the halt, or while on the march, into
column of companies, sub-divisions, or sections, by the words, com
panies (sub-divisions or sections) right (or left) wheel, or if
from the halt on the move, by companies, sub-divisions, &c.
When the wheel is by companies to the right, the senior officer
will move across to the left of his company, as explained in the
preceding number, the next in seniority and coverer changing
their flanks by the rear as usual ; but when the wheel is to the left,
the senior officer will remain on the right flank and wheel with the
WHEELING ON A MOVABLE PIVOT. 41
company, the coverer falling back, during the wheel, to his place
in column.
When the wheel is to the right by sub-divisions or sections, the
senior officer and coverer will move to their places on tho left of
the leading sub-division or section, in the same manner as in
wheeling by companies ; when the wheel is to the left, the senior
officer will wheel with the right sub-division or section, and on
the word forward, will double up to the pivot flank of the leading
sub-division or section ; in both cases the leader of the rear sub
division, or leaders of the rear sections, will take post on the word
FORWARD.
In all these movements the supernumerary rank will gain its
proper distance from the rear rank during the wheel.
Sec. 11.—Columns changing Direction.
A column, on the caution change direction to the right (or
left) from the instructor, will change its direction, each company,
sub-division, or section wheeling in succession, by command of its
leader, on a movable pivot ; in this case the officers do not change
their positions.
It may be useful here to remark, that if a company wheels
the same number of paces that it contains files, it will complete
the quarter circle ; if half that number of paces, it will complete the
eighth of a circle ; and if a quarter of the number, it will com
plete the sixteenth of a circle.
Sec. 12.—The Echelon March of Sub-divisions or
Sections.
take ground On the word march, the sub-divisions (or sections)
to the right win wheel towards the named flank.
(or left) in
ECHELON.
OS THE MOVE,
BY sUB
DIVISIONs (or
SECTIONs)
BIGHT (or
left) wheel,
quick—march.
roBWABD. Having completed the eighth of a circle, on the
word forward, the sub-divisions (or sections) will
move to their front in echelon. If the movement is
42 PART II.—COMPANY.
to the right, each sub-division or section will march
by the right ; if to the left, they will march by the
left.
In this movement, the officers and serjeants will retain the
places they occupied previously to the company being wheeled into
echelon, except when a company in column takes ground to the
reverse flank in echelon, when the second senior officer will move
up and lead the leading section, unless the senior is ordered to
change his flank ; thus, when a company in open column right in
front is ordered to take ground to the right in echelon of sections,
the senior officer will remain on the left or reverse flank of the left
section, the second senior officer will lead the right or leading
section, by the right, and the remaining sections will be led by
their respective pivot men, each keeping his distance from the
pivot flank of the section next to him, in the direction towards
which the company is inclining. The leaders of sections must
also keep their dressing in a line parallel to their original posi
tion. When a company in line takes ground to the left in echelon
of sections, all the sections will bo led by their pivot men, the
senior officer remaining on the right of the right section. This
rule applies equally to sub-divisions.
A company on the march will take ground to a flank in echelon
in the same manner, the command being by sub-divisions (or sec
tions) eight (or left) wheel, forward.
re-form On the word company, the sub-divisions or sections
company, will wheel back into line on the pivot flanks.
forward. On the word forward, the company will advance
by the proper pivot flank.
On even ground, where the sub-divisions or sections are not
broken, they may, if required, wheel up into line on the reverse
flank, by the words, by sub-divisions (or sections), eight (or left)
WHEEL.
MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS AND FOEMATIONS.
Sec. 13.—Marching on an Alignment in Open Column
of Sub-divisions.
An alignment is the imaginary straight lino that lies between
any two given points, on which a line may be formed, or the pivot
flanks of a column dressed.
The company having wheeled backwards by sub-divisions from
line, as directed in Sec. 8 of this Part, and a distant object in the
MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 43
prolongation of the two pivot flanks having been taken, the com
mander of the company, who will be on the pivot flank of the
leading sub-division, will immedialtely fix on some intermediate
point between himself and the distant point to march on.
On the word march, given by the instructor of the drill, both
sub-divisions will step off at the same instant ; the leader of the
first sub-division will march with the utmost steadiness and
equality of pace on the points he has taken ; and the commander
of the second sub-division will preserve the leader of the first in
the exact line with the distant object, at the same timo keeping
the distance necessary for wheeling into line from the preceding
sub-division, which distance must of course be taken from front
rank to front rank.
The same principle applies to companies and sections marching
in column on an alignment.
Sec. 14.—A Company in Column of Sub-divisions or
Sections forming to the Reverse Flank.
A company in column of sub-divisions, right in front, will form
to the right as follows :—
eight form On the word company, the leaders of sub-divisions
—company, will change to the right flanks by the rear ; the senior
Leading officer will then command his sub-division to wheel to
Sub-Divi- the right, Double, and when it has wheeled the quarter
sion Bight circle he will give the word Forward ; the sub-division
Wheel, having gained three paces, the senior officer will halt
Double, and dress it from the right. When the second sub-
Forward, division arrives at the left of the first, its leader will
Halt—Dress, fall to the rear and give the word Left Sub-division
Left Sub- Sight Wheel, Double, and when square, Forward, then
Division Halt—Dress up, taking care to halt his sub-division in
Bight Wheel, rear of the sub-division on its right, so that the men
Double, may dress up into line.
Forward,
Halt-
Dress up.
Eyes—Front. The senior officer having dressed the whole com
pany, will give the words Eyes—Front, and fall in, the
covering serjeant resuming his post at the same time.
A column of sub-divisions left in front will form company to
the left in like manner. A column of sections will form company
to the reverse flank on similar principles.
■ 2
44 PART II.—COMPANY.
When not required to form at right angles to the direction in
which the column is marching, the leading section or sub-division
will be ordered to change its direction till it is at right angles with
the future alignment, and then the order will be given, bight (or
left) form company ; the remaining sub-divisions or sections will
change direction as they arrive at the spot where the leading sub
divisions or sections changed direction, and then form in succession,
as already described.
Sec. 15.—Forming Company to the Reverse Flank,
or to the Eight or Left about, from File March
ing, or the Flank March in Fours.
These formations will be made as described in Sees. 41 and 43,
Part I., the word company being substituted for the word Squad, in
the command. When forming to the front, the senior officer will
move across the front, turning towards his company during the
formation, and take his place on the pivot flank when it is com
pleted : the covering serjeant passing by the rear. The next in
seniority will also move to his place during the formation.
When forming to the right or left, the covering serjeant will
mark the outward flank of the company, facing towards the pivot
flank ; when forming to the right or left about, the covering serjeant
will place himself on the inner flank, facing to the new front; in
either case the senior officer will dress his men file by file as they
come up ; and when the company is formed, he will give the words
Eyes—Front, and fell-in in his place, the covering serjeant taking
post at the same time. The supernumerary rank will form with
the company, correcting their distances from the rear rank, if
necessary, when cleared by the rest of the company.
Sec. 16.—The Diagonal March.
As in Sec. 28, Part I.
In column, when a company inclines towards the pivot flank,
the senior officer will lead ; when towards the reverse flank, the
senior supernumerary will move up and lead, unless the senior
officer is ordered to change his flank.
Sec. 17.—File Marching and Wheeling in File.
As in Sees. 29, 30, 39, and 41, Part I.
For the positions of the officers, sec the nest Sec.
If a company is halted or ordered to mark time when only part
MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 45
of the files have wheeled into the new direction, the remainder
should be taught, if required, to cover off in rear by the side step,
on the words, Rear files cover off ; if the word Front :s to follow
the word Halt, the rear files need not be ordered to cover off, but
will move to their places on the word Dress.
Sec. 18.—The Formation of Fours.
In forming fours the men will move as explained in Sec. 42,
Part I., and the supernumerary rank on the word Fours will step
back one pace. Both in file marching and the flank march by
fours, the senior officer will lead the company, placing himself
next to the front-rank man of the leading file or four ; the covering
serjeant will place himself at the head of the front rank, the senior
supernumerary will be on the reverse flank of the second file or
four from the rear, the other supernumeraries will simply face with
the company, and retain their positions.
When a company in close column takes ground to a flank by
fours, the leader will place himself in front of the front-rank man
of the leading four, the covering serjeant next to him in front of the
second rank.
Sec. 19.—Company Formed in Fours closing on the
Flank, or on the Centre, and re-forming Two
Deep.
A company having formed four deep will be practised in closing
on the flanks and re-forming two deep, both on the halt and march
as described in Sec. 42, Part I. ; it will also be taught to close on
the centre, and re-form two deep from the centre in the same
manner. The left file of the right sub-division will always be con
sidered the centre. The officers will close and open out with the
company.
Sec. 20.—The Side or Closing Step.
A company will be practised in the side step, as it is explained
in Sec. 32, Part I. When a company in line is ordered to close a
given number of paces, the senior officer will remain in this place
and close with the company ; but if no number of paces is named,
the senior officer, on the caution, will place himself three paces in
front of the flank of his company nearest to the centre of the line,
facing towards his men ; should that flank be the left, he will cross
46 PART II.—COMPANY.
by the front, and having given his word Halt, will return by the
rear to his post. In column the commander will always remain on
the flank of his company, and close with it, unless he has previously
taken up fresh covering, in which case he will stand fast, and order
his company to close to him.
Before a company drilling singly is ordered to close, as in line,
no number of paces being named, a point will b« placed to show
where it is to be halted.
Sec. 21.—Countermarching.
A company in column right or left in front, will be taught to
countermarch as follows :—
counter- On the word files, the covering serjeant will step
march by up and cover the senior officer.
FILES.
to the riqht ^n *ne wor& face, the company will face as ordered,
(or left") *^e covel'ing serjeant will face to the right about, the
face senior officer will take one pace outwards and face
inwards, and then take one long side pace in the
direction in which the covering serjeant is facing ;
the senior supernumerary will move up and place
himself one pace from the reverse flank of the front
rank, facing inwards.
left (or Qn ^ wor(j march, the company will step off, the
eight) leading file wheeling short round on the front-rank
counter- maQ, £}j0 remainder of the company following in file
march, quick ^\ it reaches the covering serjeant, when on the words
MAJJ0H. Halt—Front, Dress, from the senior officer, it will halt,
Ualt, front fron+ an(j <jregs in the new direction.
Dress.
In countermarching the files must be careful to move up to the
senior supernumerary as they wheel at the reverse flank, and to
lengthen their pace during the wheel, in order not to check the
rest of the company.
In both cases, the supernumerary rank will face towards the
reverse flank, and will countermarch round that flank, each man
marking time successively as he arrives at his place and halting
and fronting with the company.
A company in line may also be countermarched.
When a company is to countermarch it will always be faced
from the future pivot flank, and will be marched up to it.
When a company is to countermarch and continue its march it
may move in fours.
MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 47
Sec. 22.—A Company diminishing Front by forming
Sub-divisions on the March.
Caution,—as a company in column right (or left) in front.
form—sub- If the company is marching as a company in column
divisions, right in front, on the cautionary command from tho
Left Sub- instructor form sub-divisions, the senior officer will
division give the words, Left Sub-division, mark—time, and when
Mark— the reverse flank of that sub-division is clear of the
Time, other, Bight half—turn, on which it will make a half-
Right Half turn to the right and move on at once in the diagonal,
—Turn, direction, without the word forward. The left sub-
Front— division having moved completely behind the right,
Turn, the senior supernumerary will give the words, Front—
turn, and place himself on its pivot flank.
During the movement, the senior officer and cover
ing serjeant will move across to their places on the
left of the right sub-division, and the senior supernu
merary will move across between the sub-divisions, so
as to meet the pivot flank of the left sub-division as it
arrives in column.
The foregoing principles equally apply to a company in column
left in front, in which case the right sub-division will move to the
rear of the left.
Sec. 23.—Sub-divisions diminishing Front by
forming Sections.
The directions that apply to the formation of sub-divisions from
a company, apply equally to the formation of sections from sub
divisions ; if the company is halted the drill instructor will give
the words, left (or right) sections, right (or left) about three
quabters face, quick—march ; but if on the march the senior officer
will give the words Left (or Right-) Sections, Mark—time. Bight (or
Left) half—turn to both sections. The section leaders giving the
words Halt—Front—Dress, or Front—turn. In advancing, the senior
supernumerary will move in the same manner as the senior officer ;
the third in rank will take the command of the rear section, and
senior Serjeant that of the second section from the front.
48 PART II.—COMPANY.
Sec. 24.—Sections increasing Front by forming Sub
divisions on the March.
form sub- A company marching in quick time in open column
divisions, of sections (suppose right in front) will receive from
Left the instructor of the drill the cautionary word of com-
Sections, mand form sub-divisions, on which the senior officer
Left Half-— will turn inwards, give the words, Left Sections Left,
Turn, Half—Turn, Double, and then move outwards (tie
Double, senior supernumerary inclining outwards at the sane
Front— time). As soon as the right flanks of the left sections
Turn, are clear of the left flanks of the right sections, the
Quick. senior officer and senior supernumerary will give the
words Front—Turn, and when they are in line, Quick,
falling-in on the pivot flanks of their respective sub
divisions ; the leaders of the second and fourth sections
will take their places in the supernumerary rank on the
caution.
A column of sections left in front, will form sub-divisions in
like manner, both from the halt and on the march.
Sec. 25.—Sub-divisions increasing Front by forming
Company.
The directions that apply to the formation of sub-divisions
from sections, apply equally to the formation of a company from
sub-divisions.
Sec. 26.—Diminishing and increasing Front by
breaking off Files, and bringing them again to
the Front.
Files will be broken off as described in Sec. 45, Part I. The
senior officer will move to the flank of the remainder of his front
rank, as the files drop to the rear ; the covering serjeant will move
up and remain covering the senior officer, as long as there is a file
in rear. The instructor will give the caution, break off ,
files, and the senior officer or sub-division leaders will give the
executive words.
PROVING. 49
Sec. 27.—Increasing and diminishing Front by break
ing into Fours, or Files, and re-forming Sections,
Sub-divisions, or Companies.
A company or open column of sub-divisions or sections right in
front, may advance from the right in files or fours by the words
EIGHT-FACE (or FOURs-RIGHT), LEFT-WHEEL, QUICK-MARCH; if the
column is left in front, the fours or files will advance from the left
in like manner. These movements may also be done when the
column is on the march, the commands then being fours-right—
left-wheel; fours-left, right-wheel, or right (or left),—turn,
left (or right)-wheel.
A company marching in files or fours will form sections, sub
divisions, or company to the front, as explained in Sees. 41 and
43, Part I., the senior officer moving across the leading sub-division
or section to his place, and the leaders of the remaining sub
divisions or sections taking their places on the word forward.
PEOVING.
Sec. 28.—Proving a Company.
After a company has been told off on parade, it will be proved
in the following manner.
Bight Sections—first and third—Stand at Ease.
Left Sections—Second and Fourth—Stand at Ease.
Bight Sub-division—Attention.
Left Sub-division—Attention.
Fours Deep—Front.
Fours Bight—Front.
Fours Left—Front.
Mark Time—Quick.
Fours Deep—Front Turn.
Fours Bight—Front Turn.
Fours Left—Front Turn.
Sub-divisions, Bight Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)
Mark Time. Be-form Company.
Sub-divisions, Left Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)
Mark Time. Be-form Company.
Sections, Bight Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)
Mark Time. Be-form Company.
Sections, Left Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)
1 Mark Time. Be-form Company.
50 PART II.—COMPANY.
Sec. 29.—Dismissing a Company.
To the As described in Part I.
Hight Face.
Break. At this word the front rank will take a side pace to
the left, and the rear rank will take a side pace to the
right, and after a pause the company will break off
and quit the parade without noise. ■
( 51 )
PART III.
FOKMATION AND EVOLUTIONS OF A
BATTALION.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
I.
Application of Squad and Company Drill.—The evolutions of a
battalion are effected by a combination of the minor movements,
that have been described in the squad and company drill. The
rules already laid down in Parts I. and II. for the positions and
movements of the different ranks are applicable, with very few
exceptions, to all the movements of a company when in battalion.
As they have been fully explained, it will not be necessary to
repeat them in this Part, but any deviation from them will be
distinctly specified.
II.
Battalions to move as component Parts of a Brigade.—The forma
tions and movements of a company are explained in Part II. as
having reference to the evolutions of a battalion ; in like manner
the evolutions of a battalion should be performed with a constant
view to the more extended movements of a brigade. Commanding
officers should therefore, when drilling their battalions singly,
accustom themselves to make their changes of position, and their
formations, on fixed battalion points, dressed on previously deter
mined alignments.
m.
Words of Command.—Words of command must be given as
described in the general principles of Part I. Every commanding
officer of a battalion must give his commands loud enough to be
heard by the leaders of other corps, who may be dependent on his
movements.
52 PAKT III.—BATTALION.
IV.
Covering Serjeants.—As a general rule whenever the officer com
manding the company moves from the front rank, the covering
serjeant will take his place and preserve it till he returns ; when
both move out during a formation in line, the rear-rank man of the
pivot file will move up and keep the place for the officer.
A Battalion dispersed, re-assembling.—A battalion should fre
quently be practised in assembling when dispersed or in confusion ;
for this purpose the covering serjeants should first be placed at
quarter distance right in front ; the bugle will then sound the
assemble, or the words pobm on the coveeebs will be given, on
which each company will form on its covering serjeant, as described
in the general principles of Part II.
Sec. 1.—Formation of a Battalion on Parade, in
Open Column, Right in Front. (Plate III.)
As a general rule, a battalion will assemble on parade in open
column right in front, that is, the company that stands on the
right when in line will be in front.
Companies may be equalized in point of numbers when the
battalion is formed for field movement ; but it is also desirable
that a battalion should be accustomed to exercise with companies
of unequal strength.
The companies having been told off and proved, as directed in
Part II., on their private parades, the covering serjeants, under
the direction of one of the inspectors acting as adjutant, will mark
the spots on which the pivot flanks of their respective companies
are to rest in column, on any given alignment ; each taking suffi
cient distance from the serjeant in front of him to allow of his
company being wheeled into line.
The companies will then be marched upon their covering
serjeants into column, and the men directed to stand at ease.
The usual post of the commanding officer in open column is on
the pivot flank of the leading company ; that of the next in seniority
(who will hereafter be called the " senior mounted officer ") two
paces from the reverse flank of the centre of the right wing, and
that of the third in seniority (who will hereafter be called the
"junior mounted officer"), two paces from the reverse flank of the
centre of the left wing. The acting adjutant, two paces from the
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WHEELING INTO LINE. 53
reverse flank of the right centre company. When a column is
ordered to advance, the mounted officer of the leading wing will
place himself in rear of the pivot flank of the second company from
the front, to superintend the direction, taking care not to get in
front of the officer in command of the third company.
When a battalion is assembled for the purpose of exercise it
will be told off into wings, and the companies numbered from front
to rear, odd numbers being right companies, even numbers left.
TELL OFF THE On the WOrds TELL OFF THE BATTALION frOHl
battalion. the commanding officer, the officers in command
of companies will take one pace to the front,
face inwards, and number thus; the officer of
the leading company will call out number One,
Bight company. The officer of number two,
number Two, Left company ; and so on to the
rear of the column.
Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, The commanding officer will next name the
5, bight wing, companies which are to form the right wing,
Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, and those which are to form the left. He will
10, left wing, then give the words eyes—front, upon which
etes—fbont. the officers will resume their places.
When companies in column are required to take open order for
inspection, they will be considered as independent companies ; and
on the words rear ranks take open order, from the commanding
officer, the company officers and covering serjeants will place
themselves as if taking open order in line, namely, the senior officer
in front of the second file from the right, &c.
On the word march, open order will be taken, the supernume
rary rank stepping back four paces. Each officer in command of a
company will receive the inspecting officer with a salute, and follow
him during the inspection of his company, the men standing at
attention. As the inspection of each company is completed, the
officer in command will close his ranks and direct his men to stand
at ease, the officers and covering serjeant resuming their proper
places in column.
Sec. 2.—Wheeling into Line from Open Column.
left (or On the words left (or right) wheel into line,
right) each company will proceed as described in Part II.,
wheel into Sec. 4, except that the covering serjeant of the leading
line. company only will run out, and placing himself in a
line with the pivot men, mark the spot where the
54 PART III.—BATTALION.
right (or left) of his company is to rest when the wheel
is completed ; the covering serjeants of the other com
panies, if the column is right in front, wili place
themselves on the right of their companies ; but if
the column is left in front they will remain steady ;
a mounted officer will dress the pivots from the rear
Steady, of the column, and give the word Steady, when they
are in line.
quick— . On the words quick—march, the companies will
march. wheel as directed in Part II., Sec. 4 ; the covering
serjeants of all but the leading company, if right is in
front, will wheel with their companies ; but if left is
in front, they will move up to the right of their com
panies during the wheel, and preserve the place of the
company officer.
Each officer in command of a company will call the
No. —, number of his company and give the word Halt, fol-
Halt, lowed by the word Dress, when the wheeling man is
Dress. two paces from the flank of the company next in line.
Eyes— Having dressed his men, he will give the words Eyes—
Front. Front, and take post on the right of his front rank.
The pivot man of each company must keep up his
right arm until the company that has wheeled up to
him receives the words Eyes—Front.
A battalion in line may be told off from the right in the same
manner as it is told off in column, the officers in command of com
panies taking a pace to the front and facing to the left.
Sec. 3.—Advancing and Retiring in Line.
the line 1. Advancing in Line.—On the caution from the
will commanding officer, the leader of the left centre com-
advance. pany will select points to march on, under the super
intendence of the senior mounted officer, who will give
the word steady as a signal, when the line of direction
is determined.
quick— On the word march, the whole battalion will step
march. off, the files touching lightly towards the centre, the
officer of the left centre company directing.
A serjeant under the direction of a mounted officer
will remain, halted in the rear of the centre, until the
line has advanced 20 or 30 paces, to ascertain if the
A BATTALION IN LINK. 55
direction of the officer leading is correct. He will
then follow in rear.
battalion— On the word halt, the battalion will halt, and
halt. every man will remain perfectly steady.
the line 2. Retiring in Line.—On the word retire, the
will retire centre serjeant will select points to march on, and a
—right mounted officer passing through the ranks will place
about— himself behind it to superintend the direction of the '
face. centre serjeant ; the former giving the word steady
when the line of direction is determined. On the
word face, the battalion will face about.
quick— On the word march, the battalion will step off,
march, rear rank leading, files touching lightly to the centre,
the serjeant in the centre of the rear rank directing.
battalion. On the words halt—front, the battalion will halt
halt— and front ; the mounted officer returning to the proper
front. rear through the line, the two left files of the right
centre company taking two paces to the rear, and one
pace outwards from each other, to make way for him,
and resuming their places as soon as he has passed.
Sec. 4.—Dressing a Battalion in Line.
-When it is necessary to dress a battalion after an advance, or
retreat in line, the commanding officer will give the words dress
by the right (or left), on which the officers in command of com
panies, if the battalion is to dress by the right, will take one pace
to their front and one pace to their left, the coverers moving np to
their places ; if by the left, the officers in command of companies
will change their flanks, the coverers making way for them by falling
to the rear, and then moving up into the places they have left as soon
as they have passed. The company leaders will remain in rear till
the coverers have moved to the front ; in both cases the officer on
the left of the line will take one pace to his left, to make room for
his coverer to move up into the front rank.
On the words, coverers—paces, quick—march, the covering
sergeants, including the coverer of the officer on the left of the
line, will move out straight to their front the given number of
paces, the officers in command of companies and the senior super
numerary officer on the left of the line taking post as soon as they
have moved, the coverers will then face towards the named flank
and cover ; when they are in a line, the senior mounted officer
who has dressed them will give the word steady.
56 PAKT III.—BATTALION.
The commanding officer will then give the words quick—march,
and each company leader, when within two paces of the alignment,
will halt his company, move out, and dress it from the named flank.
This done, he will give the words, No. —, eyes—front, and
fall in.
When all have completed their dressing, the senior mounted
officer will give a second word steady, on which the coverers will
resume their places in line, the officers commanding companies
making way for them as above described.
COLUMN MOVEMENTS.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
I.
Use and Advantages of Columns.—Columns are formed from
line for convenience of movement. Their chief advantage is the
easy formation of a line to the flank.
II.
Formation of Columns.—1. Every column must consist of a
succession of companies, sub-divisions, or sections, each arranged
in the same manner.
2. Columns may be single, that is, formed of a succession of
single companies or parts of companies ; or double, that is, formed
of two separate successions or rows of companies, or parts of com
panies, one on the flank of the other.
III.
Depth of Columns.—In open column each company, sub-division,
or section, is placed at a distance equal to its own breadth from
the one immediately in front of it, measuring from the heels of the
front rank of the one to the heels of the front rank of the other.
Consequently a battalion in open column occupies the same extent
of ground that it would cover in line, less the front of the leading
company. A quarter distance column occupies one fourth the
space of an open column. A close column is formed with the com
panies at two paces distance from each other, measuring from the
heels of the rear-rank men of one company to the heels of the front-
rank men of the next.
COLUMN MOVEMENTS. '-57
MOVEMENTS.
Sec. 5.—Formation of a Battalion in Open Column.
The rules laid down for the formation of an open column, right
in front, in Part III., Sec. 1, are equally applicable to the formation
of an open column left in front.
Sec. 6.—Forming Close or Quarter Distance Column
from any more Open Column.
1. Closing from the Halt.—A column may
be closed to the front, rear, or on any named
company. If to the rear, or on a central com
pany, the companies in front will be ordered
to face about.
When the column is being closed to the
front, the covering serjeant of the leading
company will give a base point, placing him
self six paces in front of his company officer,
facing towards him, and covering on the line
of officers. If it is to be closed to the rear,
the covering serjeant of the rear company will
place himself six paces in rear of his company
officer, covering in like manner. If on the
central company, no point will be required,
as the officers in front and rear of the officer
in command of the named company will be a
sufficient guide to each other. In each case
a mounted officer will superintend the cover
ing of the officers from the battalion point of
appui.
On the word march, the named company
will stand fast, the remaining companies will
close on it to the distance required, and halt
as they arrive at their places, by command
from their officers. Those which have faced
about, if forming on a rear or central company,
will be fronted. On the word Dress, the men
will take up their dressing by themselves, the
officers looking to their covering.
When the movement is completed, the field
officer who has superintended the covering will
THE COLUMN WILL
CLOsE TO THE
FRONT (or TO
QUARTER DIsTANCE
ON THE FRONT) ;
Or THE COLUMN
WILL CLOsE TO
THE REAR (or TO
QUARTER DIsTANCE
ON THE REAR),
REMAINING COM
PANIEs RIGHT
ABOUT—FACE ; Or
THE COLUMN WILL
CLOsE ON (or TO
quarter distance
on) No. —
COMPANY.
COMPANIEs IN
FRONT RIGHT
ABOUT-FACE.
QUICK MARCH.
No. —, Halt-
Dress.
No. —, Halt-
Front, Dress.
58 PART III.—BATTALION.
Steady. give the word Steady, and move to his place ;
the covering serjeant who has given the base
point, if one has been required, taking post at
the same time.
2. Formation of a Close or Quarter Distance Column. — The
arrangement of a close or quarter distance column will be the same
as that of an open column, the distances only being different.
3. A Column on the March Closing to the
Front.—When a column on the march is
ordered to close to the front, the officer in
command of the leading company, on the
caution, will give the words No. 1, Halt—
Dress. The column will then be formed as
already described.
4. Closing to the Front without Halting.—
When a column is required to close without
front (or close to halting, the leading company will move on
quarter distance) steadily in quick time, the remaining com-
on the leading panies will close up in double time, resuming
company. the quick step in succession as they gain the
remaining com- distance required, by word of command from
panies double, their officers.
No. —, Quick.
close to the
FRONT Or CLOsE TO
QUARTER distance
ON THE LEADING
COMPANY.
No. —, Halt-
Dress.
ON THE MARCH
CLOSE TO THE
Sec. 7.—A Close or Quarter Distance Column opening
from the Front, Rear, or from any named
Company.
open out to 1. From the Front.—If from the front, on
quarter (or the caution, the covering serjeant of the leading
wheeling) company will place himself six paces in front
distance from of his officer, facing towards him, and covering
the—front. on the line of company leaders.
remaining com- The front company will stand fast, the
panies right remaining companies will be faced about.
about—FACE.
quick—march. On the word march the companies facing to
the rear will step off, the leader of the rear
No. —■, Halt— company marching upon any casual object he
Front, Dress. may select at arm's length from the rear bat
talion aide, who will be at his appointed post.
The officer in command of the second company
COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 59
will count his paces, and having gained the
distance required, will give the words Halt—
Front, Dress. The other officers will commence
to count the requisite number of paces, as the
previous company receives the word Halt.
Each company leader, the moment he has
fronted, will correct his covering and remain
steady, the company touching lightly to him,
and taking up its dressing.
When the ground is rough the officers in command of companies
may be assisted by their covering serjeants, who will run out in
succession, and mark the proper distances clear of the flank of the
column, the officers halting and fronting their companies when in
line with their serjeants, who will instantly resume their places in
the column.
open out to 2. Opening from the Rear.—If the column is
quarter to open from the rear, on the caution, the cover-
(or wheeling) ing serjeant of the rear company will place
distance from himself six paces in rear of his officer, covering
the rear. on him and the other company leaders.
remaining On the "word march, all but the rear company
companies will step off, the officer of the leading company
quick—march, marching on any casual object, at arm's length
from the front battalion aide ; each officer in
No. —, Halt. succession will halt the company in front of
him, when it has gained its proper distance.
He will then face about, correct his covering on
No. —, Dress, the base points, front, and give the word Dress
to his company.
3. Openingfrom a Central Company.—If the column is required
to open from a central company, the leader of the named company
will be the point of appui for the battalion, and the companies in
front and rear of it will proceed as already described.
In each case a mounted officer will superintend the covering
of the officers in command of companies from the battalion point
of appui.
4. Advancing in Succession from the Front.—When a battalion
standing in close or quarter distance column is required to advance
in a more open column, it will receive the command advance by
successive companies from the front, at quarter (or wheeling)
distance, No. —, quick—marcii. When the leading company has
gained the required distance, the leader of the second company will
give the words, No.—, Quick—March, and so on in succession to the
f 2
60 PART III.—BATTALION.
rear. A column may be faced about, and the companies marched
off in like manner, commencing with the rear company.
5. Opening on the March without Halting.—A close or quarter
distance column on the march may open out from the front by the
WOrds, OPEN OUT TO QUARTER (or WHEELING) DIsTANCE FROM TEI
front ; remaining companies MARK time. Each company in suc
cession, when it has gained the required distance, will receive the
word Forward from its leader.
6. Opening on the March by Halting the Bear Company.—When
a close or quarter distance column on the march is required to
open out from the rear, on the caution, open out to quarter (o:
wheeling) distance from the rear, the rear company will be
halted by the officer in command. The movement will then
proceed as described from the halt. After it is completed the
column may again be put in motion if required.
Sec. 8.—An Open Column changing Direction and
Marching on an Alignment, or moving into
an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours.
(Plate IV.)
1. Changing Direction.—A battalion marching in column may
change direction by the successive wheel of its companies on
movable pivots round the same point. Should the wheel be to
the reverse flank, the senior supernumeraries will move up and lead
during the change of direction ; but it is not necessary that they
should all cover or wheel on the same spot. They will retain the
relative positions that were held by the reverse flanks when the
column was marching by the pivot flank, and weak companies will
march a little past the wheeling point before they wheel ; strong
companies will wheel a little before they come up to it, so that on
the word Forward the pivot flanks will still he in line.
The word forward will be given to the leading company by
the commanding officer, but each company that follows will receive
that word from its own leader, as its front becomes perpendiculai
to the new direction.
2. Changing Direction into a new Alignment.—If the change o:
direction is to bring the pivot flank of the column on an alignmen
previous to forming line, the officer commanding the leading com
pany on entering the alignment must at once look to the points o
formation, and march steadily upon them, selecting intermedial
points, if necessary. The remaining company leaders, as the^
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PLATE V
A QUARTER DISTANCE COLUMN WHEELING TO A FLANK.
COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 61
enter the alignment, must be careful to cover on him and the base
point.
If the column is halted before all the companies have changed
their direction into the alignment, the rear companies will move
into it by the flank march of fours, their covering serjeants running
out to mark the spots on which their pivot flanks are to rest.
3. Moving into an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours.—A
battalion in column marching in an oblique direction (b a), Plate
IV., on that point in an alignment where the outward flank of its
leading company is to rest when in line, will move up till it
arrives at rather more than wheeling distance (p) from the point ;
it will there receive the words, form fours left (or bight), march
on your covbrbrs, from the commander.
All the companies will then move across into the new alignment,
each covering serjeant running out in succession to take up the
distance and covering for the pivot flank of his company, the senior
mounted officer (c) covering them from the front ; the coverer of
the leading company will take his distance from the point (a), on
which the column originally marched.
Sec. 9.—A Column at Close or Quarter Distance,
wheeling on a Fixed or Movable Pivot. (Plate V.)
column— 1. Wheeling on a Fixed Pivot.—Upon the
left (or right) caution (supposing a column right in front is
—wheel. to wheel to the left, Plate V.), the left-hand
man of the front rank of the leading company
will face to the left, and his rear-rank man will
uncover, the covering serjeant will run out to
mark the spot where the outward flank of the
column will rest when the wheel is completed,
and will raise his right arm ; the remaining
companies will make a half face to the right,
the second senior company officers moving up
on their reverse flanks.
quick or Upon the words quick or double march, the
double—march, front company will wheel as usual, except that
the pace must be much shorter, and so regulated
as to give the remaining companies time to
circle round. The remaining companies will
step off at the same moment, each man moving
round on the circumference of a circle, of which
the pivot man who has faced to the left is the
62 PART III.—BATTALION.
centre ; the men nearest the pivot flank of each
company must keep up their left shoulders as
much as possible at the commencement of the
wheel, so as to gain sufficient ground to the
flank and to avoid diminishing the distance
between companies. The officer commanding
the leading company will move back to his
place during the wheel.
column—halt. The commanding officer will give the word
halt when he sees that the leading company
is completing the wheel, at which time the
rear companies should also have circled round
into the new position ; the second company
officers will resume their places in column, the
men will face to their proper front, and remain
steady unless the word dress is given, in which
case, they will take up their dressing by the
pivot flank.
column— 2. Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.—A column
right or left on the march will change its direction on a
—wheel. movable pivot on exactly the same principles
as it wheels on a fixed pivot, the rear com
panies making a half turn instead of a half face
towards the outward flank, and the pivot man of
the column moving with a very short pace round
the wheeling point, keeping his shoulders square
with his company. The covering serjeant of the
leading company will not move out.
column— On the word forward, every man will turn
forward. to his front and move on by the pivot flank.
During these wheels, the outward flank directs (whether on a
halted or movable pivot), and to ensure the proper execution of
the wheel, it is indispensably requisite that the outward files of
companies should carefully preserve throughout the wheel their
distances, and the same relative positions and covering on the
leading company, that they held previous to being put in motion ;
the remaining files will be guided by the outward files of their
respective companies and will conform to them during the wheels.
These wheels should frequently be practised in double time.
COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 63
Sec. 10.—A Close or Quarter Distance Column
taking Ground to a Flank, wheeling to the
Right or Left.
A column taking ground to a flank will wheel to the right or
left, on the principles laid down in the preceding section, the
leading files of all the companies wheeling round the pivot in the
same manner as the leading company of a column is therein
directed to wheel, the men on the outward or wheeling flank of
the column preserving their distances and covering as therein
described, the remaining men of the column being guided during
the wheel by them. The officer leading each company, if not
there already, will place himself on the flank of the leading file or
four nearest to the pivot, in order that he may be able to keep his
distance from that point.
Sec. 11.—Columns taking Ground to a Flank in
Fours, Sub-divisions, or Sections.
take ground After the caution, the commanding officer will
to the right give the words fours—right (or left) and, if
(or left) in halted, quick—march ; on which the companies
fours. will move to the flank in fours. Any company
fours—right may be named as the company of direction ; but
(or left). if no company is specified, the leading company
quick—march, of the column will direct. The officers will
always lead on that flank of their companies
which is nearest to the company of direction,
keeping their distances from it, and dressing
upon it.
Companies in open column may, when required, take ground to
a flank by sub-divisions or sections.
Sec. 12.—Columns, when taking Ground to a Flank
by Fours, closing to less Distance or opening
to greater Distance from any named Company.
close on No. — 1. Closing to less Distance.—When an open
company (or or quarter-distance column is taking ground to
close to quarter a flank by fours, on the command close on
DIsTANCE ON No. COMPANY (or CLOsE TO QUARTER DIsTANCE
No. — company), on No. — company), the named company will
64 PART III.—BATTALION.
continue to move on with a short pace, the
remaining companies will wheel their leading
fours the eighth of a circle towards it, the rest
following ; their leaders, if not there already,
will change to that flank of their leading fours
which is nearest the named company.
Each company in succession, as it gains the required distance,
will change its direction parallel to that of the named company,
and move with a short pace.
column—forward. When the movement is completed the com
manding officer will give the word forward, on
which the whole column will move on with a
full pace.
open to quarter 2. Opening to greater Distance. — When a
(or wheeling) close or quarter-distance column is taking
distance from ground to a flank by fours, on the command
No. COMPANY. OPEN TO QUARTER (or WHEELING) DIsTANCE FROM
No. — company, the named company will con
tinue to move on with a short pace ; the
remaining companies will wheel outwards the
eighth of a circle, and their leaders, if not
there already, will change to that flank of the
leading fours which is nearest the named
company.
Each company in succession, as it gains the distance required,
will change its direction parallel to that of the named company,
and move with a short pace.
column—forward. When the movement is completed the com
manding officer will give the word forward,
on which the whole column will move on with
a full pace.
On open ground, the companies in these movements may close
or open by the diagonal march ; the commands will then be by the
DIAGONAL MARCH CLOsE (or OPEN), &C ; REMAINING COMPANIEs,
inwards (or outwards)—half-turn ; No. —, Bight half-turn ;
No. —, Left half-turn.
Sec. 13.—Application of the Flank March of Columns
by Fours.
The flank march of columns by fours will be found most useful
in the advance of large bodies of troops.
A battalion in line may advance by fours from the right or left
of companies, thereby becoming an open column taking ground to
FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 65
a flank. In this formation it may pass any obstacles or broken
ground without risk of disorder or material loss of distance in the
general line.
If a defile or bridge presents itself, the battalion may close on
the company opposite to it ; if a further reduction of front is required,
when the column is right in front, the right companies may be
ordered to mark time, the left companies moving on and closing on
the centre, the right following ; in like manner, when the column is
left in front, the left companies may be ordered to mark time, the
right moving on ; or one wing may move on, the other following ;
if necessary, one of the flank companies may be ordered to move
on in fours, the remainder following in succession.
When the defile is passed, the leading companies may be
ordered to mark time or halt, while the others resume their places
if the column has been broken ; or, if necessary, the rear companies
may be ordered to double instead of the leading ones marking
time.
The column may then be ordered to open again to wheeling
distance ; or, while moving by the flank march of fours, may be
wheeled in any direction, and then be opened.
Companies may afterwards be formed to the front, into line, in
quick or double time, as described in Parts I. and II.
Police in this formation will be found flexible in the greatest
degree, and as the companies move independently, they will not
be liable to disorder, and the battalion will at all times be ready to
form line, if required.—(See Sec. 17 of this Part.)
FOEMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE.
Sec. 14.—A Line wheeling back into Open Column
from the Halt.
open column 1. By Companies into Open Column, Bight in
right in front. Front.—On the caution, the officers in command
of companies and pivot files of all the companies,
and the covering serjeant of the leading com
pany will move as described in Part II., Sec. 5,
the remaining covering serjeants will stand fast,
the officer on the left of the line will fall back
GO PART III.—BATTALION.
into the supernumerary rank, and the senior
mounted officer will move to the right of the
line.
eight about—■ On the word face, the pivot men and cover-
pacb. ing serjeant of the leading division will stand
fast, the remainder of the battalion will face
about, the junior mounted officer and inspector
acting as adjutant, turning their horses' heads
to the rear.
eight—wheel. On the words quick—march, the companies
quick—march, will wheel, as described in Part II., Sec. 5, the
mounted officers moving to the places, in column,
described in Sec. 1 of this Part.
Halt—Front, On the words Halt— Front, Dress, from the
Dress. officers in command of companies, the companies
will halt, front, and dress : the senior mounted
officer will correct the covering of the officers
commanding companies from the head of the
column, and then move to his place.
2. By Companies into Open Column, Left in Front. — Open
column, left in front, will be formed in like manner, the junior
mounted officer moving to the left of the line to correct the cover
ing of the officers in command of companies.
3. By Subdivisions or Sections into Column,
Right in Front.—On the caution, the officers in
command of companies, pivot files, and the
covering serjeant of the leading company will
move as described in Part II., Sec. H, the
remaining covering serjeants will stand fast,
and the senior mounted officer will move to
the right of the line ; the junior mounted
officer and inspector acting as adjutant will
turn their horses' heads to the rear.
On the words quick—march, the sub-divi6ions
or sections will wheel back, and will be halted
as described in Part II., Sec. 8, the senior
mounted officer dressing the leaders of sub
divisions or sections from the head of the
column, and the mounted officers moving as in
the wheel of companies into column.
i. By Sub-divisions or Sections into Column, Left in Front.—Sub
divisions and sections will wheel back on their right in like manner,
BY sUBDIVIsIONs
(or sections)
ON THE LEFT
BACKWARD
WHEEL.
QUICK MARCH.
Halt—Dress.
FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 67
the junior mounted officer moving on the caution to the left of the
line, to be ready to dress the sub-division or section leaders.
When the sub-divisions or sections exceed twelve files they
should always be faced about and wheeled rear rank in front. The
word of command will then be open column or sub-divisions or
sECTIONs RIGHT (or LEFT) IN FRONT, KIGHT ABOUT—FACE, &C, and
they will wheel in the same manner as companies wheel.
Sec. 15.—A Line wheeling into Open Column on
the March.
by companies A battalion advancing or retiring in line
(sub-divisions may wheel by companies, sub-divisions, or
or sections) sections into column on movable pivots, as
(bight or left) described in Part II., Sec. 10, the mounted
wheel. officers moving to their places in column
forward. during the wheel.
When a battalion is required to wheel on movable pivots from
the halt, the caution must be given thus : on the move by com
panies, sub-divisions, or sections, bight (or left) wheel, quick
—march.
Sec. 16.—A Battalion formed in Line advancing from
a Flank in Open Column of Companies, Sub
divisions, or Sections.
bight (or left) 1. Advancing from a Flank by Companies.—
company to the The caution will specify from which flank the
front, remaining advance is to be made, and on the word march,
companies on the named company will move to the front at a
the move. short pace, receiving the word Forward from its
bight (or left) officer, at such time during the second wheel of
wheel. the next company as will prevent distance being
quick—maboh.- lost between them when the latter receives that
forward, word. The other companies will wheel towards
No*—, Left (or the flank whence the advance is made, the com-
Bight)— Wheel, manding officer giving the word forward when
Leading Com- they are square in column ; this word will imme-
pany—Forward, diately be followed by the word Left (or Bight)
No.*—. For- Wheel from the officer in command of the corn-
word, dec. pany next the leading one, which will follow the
first in column, the remaining companies wheel
68 PAET III.—BATTALION.
ing successively as they arrive on the ground
where the second company wheeled. The offi
cers in command of companies must take care
to preserve their distances.
If the advance is from the right, the officer in command of the
named company, followed by his covering serjeant, will change his
flank on the caution ; the remaining officers in command of com
panies on the words quick — march will move straight to the front,
and fall-in on the pivot flanks of their companies on the word
forward, the covering serjeants, during the wheel, moving by the
rear to their places in column. If the advance is from the left,
the company leaders will remain in their places, and move with
their companies, the covering serjeants falling back to their places
in column on the words quick—march.
right (or left) 2. Advancing from a Flank by Sub-divisions
sub-division (or or Sections.—A battalion in line will advance in
section) to the column of sub-divisions or sections from a flank
front, in the same manner as it advances by companies.
remaining sub- The officer who is to lead the column, followed
divisions (or by his coverer, changing on the caution to the
sections) on rear of the inner flank of the outward sub-divi-
the move, sion or section, and moving up to his place in
right (or left) column immediately after the words quick—
—wheel, march. The remaining leaders and covering
quick—march serjeants moving to their places during the
forward, Ac. wheel.
3. Advancing from a Flank by Companies, Sub-divisions, or
Sections on the March.—These movements may be done in like
manner when the line is advancing, by the words right (or left)
company, sub-division, or section, to the front, remaining com
panies, sub-divisions, or sections, right (or left) wheel, &c.
4. Moving to the Flank in Fours or Files.—When from want
of space the advance cannot be effected by the wheel of com
panies, sub-divisions, or sections, it may be performed by moving
them to the flank in fours or files, each in succession receiving from
its leader as it arrives in column the words Front turn. When
this method is adopted, as soon as all the companies are in column
the battalion should be directed to mark time, that the distances
which have been lost may be corrected.
FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. G9
Sec. 17.—A Battalion in Line advancing in Double
Column of Companies, Sub-divisions, or Sec
tions from the Centre.
A battalion may advance from the centre in double column of
companies, sub-divisions, or sections, according to the nature of the
movement required. The following description of an advance by
sub-divisions will apply equally to an advance by companies or
sections, with the exceptions that will hereafter be mentioned.
two centbe 1. Advancing by Sub-divisions.—On the cau-
sub-divisions tion, the supernumerary rank will take two
to the front, paces to the front, the officers commanding
remaining the right and left centre companies will move
sub-divisions out, and place themselves, the former in front
on the move, of the left file of his right sub-division, the
inwards— latter in front of the right file of his left sub-
wheel. division, the remaining company leaders and
senior supernumerary officers will stand fast.
The coverers of the flank companies will mark the points (ee)
facing towards the line for the sub-divisions to wheel on, the
coverer of No. 1 making allowance for the distance the right-centre
sub-division will have to incline to the left to join the left-
centre sub-division.
quick—march. On the word march, the whole battalion will
step off, the two centre sub-divisions moving
to the front at a short pace, the right-centre
sub- division closing on the left as it advances;
the remaining sub-divisions will wheel inwards,
the officers in command of companies and the
senior supernumerary officers moving as directed
in Part II., Sec. 10, No. 2 ; when the sub-divi
sions are square in column the commanding
officer will give the word forward, on which
each wing will move in the same manner as a
battalion when advancing from a flank, explained
in the preceding section, the corresponding sub
divisions meeting and following the two centre
Left Sub-divisions sub-divisions in double column ; the commander
Left—. Wheel.* of the left centre company will give the word
Forward to both the centre sub-divisions when
the two following sub-divisions have commenced
their second wheel, on which they will move on
at a full pace.
forward.
Right Sub
division Right-
Wheel.^
70 PART III.—BATTALION.
Two Centre The officers in command of companies will
Sub-Divisions lead the leading sub-divisions of their companies,
Forward. the second company officers, the rear sub-divi-
By the Left. sions. The column will move by the left unless
"Forward. ordered to the contrary, the junior mounted
^Forward, officer placing himself in rear of the pivot flank
of the second sub-division from the front of the
left wing, to superintend the direction, the
senior mounted officer and inspector acting as
adjutant, after having superintended the second
wheels of all the sub-divisions, will follow in
rear of the column.
When the advance is to be in double column of companies on
the caution, the leader of the left centre company only will change
his flank, the remaining officers will stand fast; on the words
quick—march, the officers in command of companies of the right
wing (except the leader of the right centre company) will wheel
with their companies, and the officers in command of companies
of the left wing (except the leader of the left centre company) will
move across to the outward flanks of the companies, by the front
during the wheel; the second company officers of the left wing
will also move to their places during the wheel.
All words of command that are intended to apply to two com
panies, sub-divisions, or sections, that are moving together in
double column, will be given to both by the leader who belongs to
the left wing.
Sec. 18.—A Battalion in Line forming Open, Close,
or Quarter Distance Column.
open (close or 1. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance
quabter Column in Bear of the Bight Company.—On the
distance) column caution, the supernumerary rank will take two
in bear of paces to the front, the leader of No. 1 company
No. 1. will change by the rear to his future pivot flank
(the leader and coverer of No. 2 falling to the
rear), the covering serjeant of No. 1 will move
across by the front, and place himself six paces
in front of his officer, facing towards him. The
senior mounted officer will move to the head of
the column to superintend the covering of the
coverers and company leaders.
remaining On the word right, each company, except
companies No. 1, will form fours to the right and disengage
FORMATION OP COLUMN FROM LINE. 71
FOURS—RIGHT.
QUICK—MARCH.
to the rear, the covering serjeant of No. 2 will
step back and mark the spot on which the left
of his company is to rest, covering on the
leader and coverer of No. 1.
On the word march, all the companies in
fours will step off, each covering serjeant in
succession running on when within 20 paces
of the column, and taking up the covering and
distance for his company in rear of the pivot
flank of the last formed company.
Each leader will halt as he reaches his coverer,
his company moving on past the rear of that
serjeant, in a line parallel to the leading com
pany.
Halt—Front, As the pivot flank of each company reaches
Dress. the covering serjeant, the officer in command
will give the words Halt—Front, Dress, on
which the company will halt, front, and take up
its own dressing, the coverer falling back to his
place in column, and the leader taking post on
the exact spot vacated by him.
Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior
mounted officer will give the word Steady, and
move to his place ; the covering serjeant of
No. 1 company taking post at the same time.
open (close or 2. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance
quarter distance) Column in Front of No. 1 Company.—On the
column in front caution, the supernumerary rank will take two
of No. 1.
REMAINING
COMPANIEs
FOURs RIGHT.
QUICK—MARCH.
paces to the front, and the senior supernumerary
serjeant of No. 1 company will place himself
six paces in rear of his company leader, the
senior mounted officer will place himself in rear
of the supernumerary, ready to superintend the
covering of the coverers and company leaders.
On the word right, all the companies will
form fours to the right and disengage to the
front ; the coverer of No. 1 will take up his own
distance in front of his officer, cover on him and
the supernumerary, and then face to the right
about, marking the spot on which the pivot
flank of No. 2 is to rest.
On the word march, all the companies in
fours will step off. Each coverer in succession
72 PAKT III.—BATTALION.
will run on, when within 20 paces of the line
of coverers, and will mark the spot on which the
right flank of the company that is to form in
front of his own is to rest, covering on the rear
base, and then facing to the right about. Each
officer in command of a company will lead his
company to the spot where its left is to rest in
column, and then change direction and lead on
the covering serjeant, who is marking the spot
for his pivot flank ; he will thus march his
company into column in a line parallel to the
company of formation.
Halt—Front, On the words Halt—Front, Dress, from the
Dress. officer, each company will halt, front, and take
up its own dressing, the covering serjeant
moving back to his place in rear of his own
' company, and the officer taking post on the
exact spot vacated by him.
Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior
mounted officer will give the word Steady, and
move to his place in column, the supernumerary
serjeant of No. 1 company taking post at the
same time.
3. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance Column in Front or
Bear on the Left Company.—A battalion in line will be formed in
column on the left company, in the same manner as it is so formed
on the right company, the remaining companies forming fours to
the left, the officers commanding companies, except the leader of
the company of formation, changing their flanks by the original
front on the word fours—left ; the junior mounted officer super
intending the covering of the coverers and leaders.
When the column is formed in front of the left company, the
leader of that company will change to the left flank on the caution,
and his senior supernumerary serjeant will mark the base point in
rear of him. When it is formed in rear of the left company, the
leader will stand fast, and his coverer will mark the base point in
front of him.
open (close or 4. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance
quarter dis- Column on a Central Company.—In this formation
tance) column, the companies will form fours inwards, and
right or left move into column in front and rear of the named
in front on company, in precisely the same manner as they
No. —. form on the flank companies.
FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 73
fours— If the column is to be right in front, the
inwards. leader of the named company will change his
quick—mabch. flank on the caution. If left is to be in front,
he will stand fast. In either case the covering
Halt—Front— serjeant will mark the spot on which the pivot
Dress. flank of that company is to rest, which is to
Steady. form in front of his own ; he will cover on his
leader, placing himself square with the line, and
then face about.
If the battalion is to be formed in close or
quarter-distance column, the senior mounted
officer will superintend the covering from the
front ; but if it is to be in open column, he will
place himself on the pivot flank of the com
pany of formation.
Sec. 19.—A Battalion in Line forming Sub-division
Columns of Grand Divisions.
OPEN (CLOsE
Or QUARTEB
DIsTANCE).
COLUMNs IN REAR
OF THE RIGHT
sUB-DIVIsIONs OF
RIGHT COMPANIEs.
REMAINING
sUB-DIVIsIONs
RIGHT FACE.
QUICK—MARCH.
Forming Close Sub-division Columns of Grand
Divisions, in Bear of Bight Sub-divisions.—On
the caution, the supernumerary rank will take
two paces to the front, the officers commanding
the right companies of grand divisions will
change by the rear to their future pivot flank :
the covering serjeant moving across by the
front, and placing himself six paces in front of
his leader, facing towards him.
On the word face, each sub-division will face
to the right, and disengage to the rear, except
the sub-divisions on which the formation is
made ; the senior supernumerary serjeant will
mark the spot on which the left sub-division is
to rest, covering on the officer commanding the
company and the coverer.
On the word maboh, all the companies will
step off, each covering serjeant and senior super
numerary serjeant in succession running on to
take up their covering and distance in rear of
the pivot flank of the last formed sub-division.
Each officer commanding a company, and the
senior supernumerary officer, will halt as he
reaches his coverer, his sub-division moving on
G
74 PART III.— BATTALION.
past the rear of the serjeant in a line parallel
to the leading sub-division.
As the pivot flank of each sub-division
reaches the covering serjeant, the officer com
manding the ' sub-division will give the words
Halt- Front, Halt—Front, Dress, on which the sub-division
Dress. will halt, front, and take up its own dressing,
the coverer falling back to his place in column,
and the officer commanding the sub-division
taking post on the exact spot vacated by him.
When the formation is completed, the com-
steady. manding officer will give the word Steady, upon
which the covering serjeants will take their
places in rear of their company leaders.
This formation will prove useful in breaking up crowds or
dispersing large assemblages of people. Should a column be
broken, other columns can proceed to its support, and cover it.
Should prisoners be apprehended, it will be found that the best
mode of conveying them to a place of security will be in the centre
of a hollow square.
Sec. 20.—Grand Division Columns forming Square.
on the leading Forming Squares two deep on the leading Sub-
sub-divisions divisions of Open Columns.—On the word mabch,
form squaue. the whole of the sub-divisions will step off
quick (or double) except the leading ones (the flank files of which
—march. will face outwards), the company leader, cover
ing serjeants, and supernumeraries forming in
rear of their own sub-division.
No. — Sections The second and third sub-divisions will wheel
—Outwards. outwards by sections, at the command of their
respective leaders, as they arrive successively
at quarter distance from the sub-division in
front of them; when they have wheeled the
quarter circle, the flank sections will halt
without word of command, touching towards
the leading sub-division, which will now be
considered the front of the square ; the leaders
and supernumeraries will form in rear of their
sections. The rear sub-division will close up,
and form the rear of the square, being halted
FORMATION OP COLUMN PROM LINE. 75
and faced to the right-about by its leader, who
will run into square the moment the third sub
division receives the words Sections outwards.
the square A Square marching in any Direction.—A
will advance column of sub-divisions formed in square
(retire or hove may be ordered to march in any direction.
TO THE RIGHT
or left).
inwards face. On the word inwards face, the face that is to
lead stands fast, and those on either side of it
face to the right and left, in the direction
named ; the face in rear of it will face to the
right about.
quick—march. On the word march, the square will step off,
great care being taken tbat the men of the
faces that are moving in files remain properly
closed up.
When the square advances it will march by
the left, when it retires it will march by the
right ; when it moves to the right it will march
by the left, and when to the left, it will march
by the right.
halt. On the word halt, the square will halt, and
face outwards, every man standing perfectly
steady, unless ordered to close in any direction,
or to dress.
Should it be necessary to apprehend prisoners, the left files of
the front rank of the leading sub-division will advance for this
purpose, the rear-rank men immediately filling their places. Should
this force be insufficient, the left files of the front rank of the flank
faces will be directed to advance, the rear-rank men filling their
places in like manner.
Note.—Should it not be considered advisable to break the
formation of the square, by detaching men to apprehend prisoners,
a certain number of constables might be appointed to each column
for this purpose ; and, if need be, the square might be moved to
their support.
The square should be practised when advancing to take ground
to the right, or left, by the diagonal march ; the word Eight half-
tukn, or Left half-turn, being given.
Prisoners may likewise be secured in the centre of a close
column of sub-divisions, or sections ; a file or two from each flank
being told off to guard the prisoners.
o 2
76 PART III.—BATTALION.
FOEMATION OF LINE FKOM COLUMN.
Wheeling into line has already been described in Sec. 2 of this
Part ; a column may also wheel into line on the march, each
company wheeling as described in Part II., Sec. 10.
See. 21.- -Forming Line to the Front from Open
Column on any named Company.
form line on 1. Forming Line on the Leading Companyfrom
the leading the Halt.—If right is in front, on the caution,
company. the officers commanding companies will change
their flanks. The coverer and senior supernu
merary serjeant of the leading company will
mark the base lioints, the former in front of the
left flank, and the latter in front of the right
flank of that company, both facing to the right,
the senior mounted officer moving up to dress
them.
remaining com- On the word wheel, the covering serjeants of
panies four the remaining companies will place themselves
paces on the in rear of the seventh files from the right of
right back- their respective companies, facing to the rear,
wards—wheel, and will take their four paces to the rear, as
directed in Part II., Sec. 6 ; the pivot men and
the leaders will also face as described in that
Section.
quick-march. On the word march, the companies, except the
No. 1, Eyes leading one, will wheel back as described in
Right—Dress, Part II., Sec. 6, and the officer commanding the
Eyes—Front. leading company will give the word Eyes Right
No.—, Halt— —Dress ; on which his company will dress ;
Dress. when the dressing is completed he will give the
Eyes—Front. words Eyes—Front, and fall-in on the right.
Each leader will halt and dress his own com
pany in echelon and then give the words Eyes
—Front, on which he will take post on the
right flank and the covering serjeant on the left.
form line. On the word march, the companies in echelon
quick—march, will step off and march by the right, the coverers
FORMATION OF LINE FROM COLUMN. 77
when they arrive within 20 paces of the align
ment running out and covering on the base, at
the point on which the left of their companies
are to rest.
No. —, As each company in succession comes up to
Bight— Wheel, the rear-rank of the last halted company, it will
receive the words Bight—Wheel and Malt—
Eyes—Front. Dress up, from its leader, who will dress his
men from the second file beyond the coverer of
the company on his right ; he will give the
words Eyes—Front when his company is dressed
and take post in his place in line.
Halt—Dress up. The supernumerary rank of each company
will step back to its proper distance as the
company next on its left receives the words
Bight—Wheel; except the supernumerary rank
of the left company, which will step back on the
words Halt—Dress up, from its leader.
Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior
mounted officer will give the word Steady, and
move to his place, the base points taking post
at the same time.
When the column is left in front, line will be formed in the
same manner as when right is in front ; the base points facing to
the left, the covering serjeant on the right of the front company,
the supernumerary serjeant on the left ; the remaining companies
wheeling backwards on their left.
2. Forming Line on the Bear Company from the Halt.—Line
may also be formed on the rear company of a column, the remaining
companies first being faced to the right about, and then wheeled
four paces on their right backwards, if right is in front, and on
their left backwards if left is in front, the officers commanding
companies remaining on the pivot flank.
The movement will be performed in all respects as described in
No. 1 of this Section, except that each company will move rear-rank
in front, and after it has wheeled into the alignment, it will receive
the word forward from its company leader, move to the rear until
its proper front rank is in line with the rear-rank of the halted
company, and then be halted and fronted, before dressing up into
line.
form line on No.* 3. Forming Line on a Central Company.—
companies in front, Line may be formed on any central company,
right about—f^ce. those in rear of it forming to the front as
78 PART III.—BATTALION.
described in No. 1, and those in front of it
forming as described in No. 2 of this
Section.
The base points will face inwards, the
covering serjeant being on the left and the
supernumerary serjeant on the right of the
named company ; the officer commanding
that company dressing his men from the
right, whichever flank of the column may be
in front.
The senior mounted officer will dress the
coverers from the right of the company of
formation.
FOUR PACEs ON THE
EIGHT (or LEFT) BAOK-
WARDs-WHEEL.-j-
QUICK—MARCH.
No.* Eyes
Bight—Dress.
Eyes—Front.
No.^, Halt—Dress—
Eyes—Front.
FORM LINE.
QUICK MARCH.
Left (or Bight)
Wheel. Forward.
Halt—Front—
Dress up.
Left (or Bight) Wheel.
Malt—Dress up.
Eyes—Front.
Sec. 22.—A Battalion in Open Column forming Line
to the Reverse Plank.
On the caution, the officers commanding com
panies will change their flanks, their covering
serjeants taking the places they leave, and the
inspector acting as adjutant will move out to
mark the distant flank of the line.
FORM LINE TO THE
REVERsE FLANK.
No. — Bight The officer commanding the leading company
(or Left) Wheel, will at once give the word Bight (or Left)
Double, Forward. Wheel, Double ; on which his coverer and super-
Halt—Dress up. numerary serjeant will run out and mark the
base, the former taking the flank farthest from
the company leader, and both facing towards
him ; the leading company will wheel on a
movable pivot, and when parallel to the align
ment will receive the word Forward, advance
three paces, and will then be halted and dressed
on the base points by the officer commanding
the company ; the second company will continue
to advance along the rear of the first, and on
Bight or Left— reaching its outward flank will receive the
Wheel, Double, words Bight (or Left)—Wheel, Double, Forward,
Halt—Dress up. Halt—Dress up, from its company leader ; each
company in succession will form in like manner
FORMATION OF LINE FROM COLUMN. 79
on the outward flank of the last halted company,
the covering serjeants running out when within
20 paces of their ground, to mark the outward
flank of their companies.
If the line is formed from column, right in front, the senior
mounted officer will dress the coverers from the right ; if from
column, left in front, the junior mounted officer will dress them
from the left.
The supernumeraries in succession will step back to their three
paces distance as the rear of the column passes clear of them.
Steady. When the formation is completed, the mounted
officer who has dressed the coverers will give
the word Steady, and move to his place, the
adjutant and the base points taking post at the
same time.
When this movement is performed from the halt, the officers
commanding companies will change their flanks on the caution, and
on the words quick march the whole will move as above directed.
In this evolution the line may be formed at any angle to the
direction of the column, but if the leading company is required to
wheel less than the quarter circle, the officer commanding the second
company must be previously warned in order that he may change his
direction on the caution, and march on a line parallel to the new
alignment, the following company leaders changing their directions
in succession as they arrive at the same spot. In this case the
company leaders will remain on their original pivot flanks until
their companies change direction, when they will move across by
the rear during the wheel.
Columns of sub-divisions or sections will be formed to the
reverse flank in like manner, the instructions laid down in Part II.,
Section 14, being also observed.
80 PART III.—BATTALION.
DEPLOYMENTS.
Sec. 23.—A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance
Column, deploying into Line on the leading
Company. (Plate VI.)
Deployments will invariably be made on a front base, and by
the flank march of fours, unless the ground should render it
necessary to move in files.
deploy on the 1. From Column Bight in Front.—On the
leading caution the officer in command of the front
company. company will change his flank, and the cover
ing and senior supernumerary serjeant of that
company will mark the base points, the former
in front of its left flank, the latter in front of its
right flank. The senior mounted officer will
place himself on the right of the base points to
dress the coverers.
remaining com- On the words fours—left, the remaining
panies, companies will form fours to the left, the leader
fours—left. of No. 2 company will take a pace to his front,
and face to the right about, and his covering
serjeant will run out to mark the outward flank
of the company, covering on the base points.
quick—march. On the word march, the companies in fours
No. 1. will step off. The leader of No. 1 will dress his
Bight—Dress, company, and then take post. The officer com
ixes—Front, manding No. 2, as the right of his company
No. 2. clears the left of No. 1, will give the words
Front—Turn, Front— Turn, and when at two paces from the
Halt—Dress up. alignment Halt—Dress up ; he will dress his
Eyes—Front. men from the second file beyond the coverer of
Front—Turn, the front company, give his word Eyes—Front,
Halt—Dress up. and fall-in in his place in the line. Each of the
Eyes—Front. remaining leaders in succession, as the company
that will precede him into line receives the
words Front—Turn, will halt and allow his
company to pass him, and when its inner flank
reaches him he will give the words Front—Turn,
and when at two paces from the alignment Halt
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FORMATION OP LINE FHOM COLUMN. 81
—Dress up ; the covering serjeants running out
in succession to mark the left of their com
panies as they get within twenty paces of their
ground.
Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior
mounted officer will give the word Steady, and
move to his place, the base points taking post
at the same time.
As the rear of each company is cleared by those which are
deploying, its supernumerary rank will step back to its proper
distance.
Each officer in command of a company will dress the men from
coverer to coverer, whether they belong to his company or not,
placing himself opposite the second file from the coverer of the
company next to his own towards the base point.
2. From Column Left in Front.—A column left in front will
deploy on the leading company in precisely the same manner as a
column right in front, the junior mounted officer dressing the points
from the left, the covering serjeants marking the right of their com
panies, and the companies forming fours to the right.
Sec. 24.—A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance
Column, deploying on the Rear Company.
deploy on 1. From Column Bight in Front.—Supposing
the rear the battalion to consist of six companies, on the
company. caution the coverer and supernumerary serjeant
of No. 6 will move up to the front of the
column and give the base points close in front
of No. 1, facing to the left, the coverer on the
outer or reverse flank; the junior mounted
officer placing himself on the left to dress the
coverers. The officer commanding No. 6 com
pany will stand fast, the remaining company
leaders and covering serjeants changing their
flanks.
remaining On the word fours—right the companies,
companies except No. 8, will form fours to the right, and
fours—right, the leader of No. 5 company will take one pace
to his front and face to the right about to be
ready to halt his men.
82 PART III.—BATTALION.
quick—march. On the word quick-—march the companies in
fours will step off. As soon as the left of No. 5
company is clear of the right of No. 6, the
former will be halted, fronted, and ordered to
No. 5, Halt— dress by its leader, who will fall-in on the left ;
Front—Dress, the latter will then receive the words No. 6 by the
No. 6, by the Left, Double—March, and when at two paces
Left, Double from the alignment, Halt—Dress up, from its
March. No. 6, leader, who will dress his company from the left,
Malt—Dress up. give the word Eyes—Front, and change to bis
Eyes—Front, proper place in line.
The moment No. 5 company is halted, the
leader of No. 4 will halt and allow his company
to pass him, and as soon as its left flank is clear
No. 4, Halt— of the right of No. 5, No. 4 will be halted,
Front—Dress, fronted, and ordered to dress by its officer, on
No. 5, by the which No. 5 will receive the words By the Left,
Left, Quick— Quick—March, &vd when at two paces from the
March. No. 5, alignment it will be halted and dressed up into
Malt—Dress up, line by its leader, who will run out for that
&c. purpose ; and thus each company in succession
will be halted and fronted, and then brought up
into line as soon as its front is clear.
The supernumerary rank will gain its distance as it halts in
line.
2. From Column Left in Front.—A battalion in column left in
front will deploy on its rear company on the same principles as a
battalion in column right in front ; the coverer and supernumerary
serjeant of No. 1 company giving the base points facing to the right,
the senior mounted officer dressing the coverers (who will mark the
left of their companies) from the right, and the companies, except
No. 1, forming fours to the left.
PLATE VII.
V. BATTALION ADVANCING IN DIRECT ECHELLON OF COMPANIES FROM THE
LEET.AND CHANGING DIRECTION TO THE RIGHT PREPARATORY TO FORMING
LINE. AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE FORMER ALIGNMENT.
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MOVEMENTS IN ECHELON. 83
MOVEMENTS AND CHANGES OF FRONT
IN ECHELON.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
Echelons.—There are two descriptions of echelon formed from
line, the direct echelon, and the oblique echelon.
II.
Direct Echelon.—The direct echelon is formed by companies
or parts of companies marching successively direct to the front or
rear, commencing from either flank of the battalion, at any distance
from each other that may be named by the commanding officer. A
direct echelon may be re-formed into a line parallel to that from
which it moved by the successive formation of its component parts,
on any named and halted part ; but a line cannot be formed from
a direct echelon at an angle to the original alignment, without a
fresh adjustment of the distances between the pivot flanks of its
component parts.
III.
Companies or parts of Companies in Echelon to be parallel to each
ether.—Each company or part of a company will move on a line
perpendicular to its own front ; therefore, when moving towards a
flank, all the component parts of an echelon must be parallel to
each other, in order that their lines of direction may also be
parallel.
Sec. 25.—A Battalion in Line advancing or retiring
in direct Echelon of Companies from either
Flank. (Plate VII.)
If it is intended to re-form line parallel to the original align
ment, the companies may be ordered to march off at any named
distance from each other, but if it is intended to change front to
cither flank at right angles, they must be marched off at wheeling
distance from each other.
SI PART III.—BATTALION.
On the caution, if the movement is to be from
the left, the officers commanding companies will
change their flanks, if from the right they will
stand fast. The leader of the company on the
named flank, if the battalion is to advance, will
then give his word Quick—March, and will move
straight to his front ; when he has gained the
ordered distance, the next company will receive
the words Quick—March from its leader, and so
on in succession till all are in motion. If the
movement is to be made to the rear, the com
panies will be faced about in succession, and
marched off one after the other at the ordered
distance as above described.
THE BATTALION
WILL ADVANCE
(or retire) in
DIRECT ECHELON
OF COMPANIEs
AT WHEELING (or
PACEs) DIs
TANCE, FROM THE
RIGHT (or LEFT).
No.—By the Bight
(or Left), Quick-
March. No.—
Bight about—Face.
By the Bight (or
Left) Quick—
March.
The coverers, when it is necessary, will change their flanks on
the caution, but they will invariably remain in the proper rear
until their respective companies move out clear of the rest of the
line, they will then take post on their reverse flanks. The officers
commanding companies will move in line with the proper rear
rank when retiring.
Sec. 26.—Re-forming Line from Direct Echelon.
RE-FORM LINE
ON THE LEADING
COMPANY.
REMAINING COM
PANIEs.
QUICK MARCH
RE-FORM LINE ON
THE REAR COM
PANY. REMAINING
COMPANIEs RIGHT
ABOUT FACE.
QUICK—MARCH.
1. Forming Line on the Front Company.—If
the line is to be formed on the leading company,
the coverer and the senior supernumerary ser
jeant of that company will give the base points.
On the word march, the remaining companies
will move up in succession into line, the cover
ing serjeants marking their outward flank.
2. Forming Line on the Bear Company.—If
line is to be formed on the rear company, the
coverer and senior supernumerary serjeant of
that company will give the base points, and the
company will be dressed. The remaining com
panies will then be faced to the right about ; the
officers commanding companies and coverers
changing flanks.
On the word march, the companies facing to
the rear will step off and form in succession on the
rear company, each receiving the words Halt—
MOVEMENTS IN ECHELON. 85
Halt—Front-
Dress up.
\Eyes—Front.
Front—Dress up, when its proper front rank is
in line with the rear rank of the last halted
company, the coverers running out to mark the
outward flanks of their respective companies in
the usual manner.
re-form line 3. Forming Line on a Central Company.—
on No. — com- When line is to be formed on a central company,
pant, companies the coverer and senior supernumerary serjeant
in front, bight of that company will give the base points as
about—face, usual, facing inwards. The companies in front
form line— of the named company will then be faced to the
quick—march, right about, their company leaders and coverers
Halt—Front— changing flanks, and on the word quick march,
Dress. line will be formed, as described in the two
Eyes—Front— first numbers of this section.
Halt—Dress.
Eyes Front.
4. Forming on the March.—A battalion in direct echelon on the
march may form line in like manner ; if to the front, the leading
company will be halted on the caution ; if on the rear or a central
company, the named company will be halted on the words
remaining companies, or companies in front, right about turn.
form line to 5. Forming Line at Bight Angles to the original
the right. Alignment.—If the battalion has advanced in
by companies, direct * echelon of companies from the left, at
right-wheel, wheeling distance, and is required to form line
forward, &c. to the right, the companies will be wheeled the
quarter circle to that flank, the officers com
manding companies changing their flanks during
the wheel, after which line will be formed on
the leading company as already described.
When the advance has been made from the right, line may be
formed to the left in like manner.
( 86 )
PART IV.
LIGHT DEILL FOEMATION.
Detail of Formation.
When constables are drilled by word of command, they move
at the last word, which should be given short :—
Paces—From the Eight—Extend.
Paces—From the Centre—Extend, &c.
To the Eight—Close, &c.
Advance—Halt—Eetibe, &c.
to extend As soon as the order is given (either by word of
from the command or by bugle), the officers drop to the rear;
halt. the senior officer places himself in rear of the
centre ; the second in command in rear of the right,
the third in rear of the left ; the fourth remains
with the senior, ready to receive his orders. The
serjeants fall likewise to the rear. At the last sound
of the bugle, the named file stand fast : the re
mainder face, and extend in quick time, unless
ordered to move at the double march.
2. The front-rank men of files move straight
before them, covering correctly on the march ;
their respective rear-rank men cast their eye over
the inward shoulder, and tap their front-rank men,
at the distance of two, four, six, or any other given
number of paces, as a signal for them to halt and
front.
Distance of files. 3. The paces are indicated by the previous
caution of the commanding officer ; but if no num
ber is specified, six paces is the regulated distance
between the files. If the left-hand file, who leads
on this occasion, be a steady man, and has moved
correctly on his front, the line will require little
SKELETON, OR EOPE DKILL. 87
TO EXTEND
WHILE A
COMPANY Is
ADVANCING ;
FROM THE
CENTRE—
FROM THE
RIGHT—Or
FROM THE
LEFT.
TO INCLINE TO
THE RIGHT.
INCLINE TO
THE LEFT.
ADVANCE.
TO HALT FROM
THE INCLINE.
dressing ; too much attention to which, in extended
order, is to be carefully avoided. If the distance
between the files be not correct, it must not be
altered by closing or opening out : this can only be
done upon the march.
4. In all these cases, the files from which the
extension takes place move straight forward in quick
time ; the others make a half-turn to the flank to
which they are ordered to extend, and move off in
double time. As soon as each file has got its regular
distance, it will turn to the front and advance,
resuming the quick time ; rear-rank men covering
their front-rank men, and keeping in line with the
directing file.
5. The party extended make a half-turn to the
flanks to which they are ordered to incline (rear-rank
men covering their front-rank men), and continue in
the diagonal direction, until the " Advance " is given
or sounded, when they will return to their original
front, and move forwards as before. If, when the
party extended have made the half-turn, the word
should be given, or bugle should sound the "Incline"
a second time, the men's shoulders should be brought
up, so as to complete the face, and march in file.
6. At this signal, the whole front.
SKELETON, OE EOPE DEILL.
To provide for the due instruction of the Inspectors and
Serjeants, the following system of Skeleton or Eope Drill is in
troduced, by means of which they may, without harassing the
constables, be made practically conversant in the command of a
company ; while the serjeant may acquire that promptitude and
accuracy in giving points, and taking up covering, without which
no body of men can move correctly.
A battalion of eight divisions may be formed by sixteen, thirty-
two, or sixty-four men. With sixteen men, divisions only can be
formed ; with thirty-two, sub-divisions ; but with sixty-four, sections
can be formed.
The ropes may be made to represent any number of files, the
space for each (namely twenty-four inches) being marked by a piece
PART IV.—LIGHT DRILL.
of red cloth ; and to the end of each rope a small piece of wood
must be attached, so that the men may hold it : and care must be
taken that they are always kept to their full extent.
FUNEKALS.
Directions for Funeral Parties.
1. The funeral of a superintendent is preceded by 100 men,
with officers in proportion, under the command of a superintendent.
2. An inspector, by 60 men, with officers in proportion, under
the command of an inspector.
3. A serjeant, by 40 men, under the command of a serjeant.
4. A constable, by 24 men, under the command of a serjeant.
5. Officers attending funerals wear black crape three inches
wide round the left arm above the elbow.
6. The pall is supported by officers of the same rank with that
of the deceased.
7. The party preceding the corpse march in file at open order,
six paces apart.
8. The band precedes the corpse, and immediately in front
of it.
9. Mourners follow the corpse, and the procession is closed by
a body of police marching in fours at intervals of six paces.
10. On approaching the cemetery, the party in advance with the
band halt, and face inwards, without closing ; allow the body and
mourners to pass through their ranks, and cease to play when all
have passed. They then follow into the cemetery.
11. On returning the men fall in, number afresh, and march
home in fours without music.
The party appointed for the escort, according
to the rank of the deceased, will be drawn up
two deep, with opened ranks, facing the house
where the corpse is lodged. When the corpse
is brought out, the officer commanding will call
attention. the men to attention. After the corpse is placed
rear rank take in the hearse (if a hearse is used) close order will
close okder. be taken, and the men will be simply faced to
to the right— the right, and moved to the head of the pro-
face. cession.
When all is ready, the party will move off in
slow march slow time, followed by the band, with drums
muffled, playing the Dead March.
First Position. Second Poaition in 2 Motions.
3 2
Balance Motions
1'bird Position in Two Motions.
econd Extension Motions.
THIRD "TOINT
MODEL OF THE TAKGET,
to he used in the Places of Exercise.
The Sectional Lines of Figures show the Preparatory Movements.
( 89 )
PAKT V.
SWORD EXERCISE.
INTKODUCTOKY EEMAEKS.
The following instructions are laid down as the surest and
quickest mode of forming swordsmen ; and the drill instructors
are to understand clearly, that when recruits have completed their
Preparatory and Drill Practices, without and with the sword, they
need no longer be required to remember the precise order in which
they are here given ; nor to repeat them, if sufficiently instructed
to go through the Review Exercise effectively, where every cut,
point, and parry is shown ; and the swordsman ought to be made
so perfect in each, as to be able to give any one separately, or such
of them combined, as the drill instructor may require.
Sec. 1.—Extension Motions and Positions.
These motions tend to expand the chest, raise the head, throw
back the shoulders, and strengthen the muscles of the back.
The squad being at " Attention," the caution is given :
First Extension Motions.
One—Bring the hands, arms, and shoulders to the front, the
fingers lightly touching at the points, and the nails downwards ;
then raise them in a circular direction well above the head, the end,
of the fingers still touching, the thumbs pointing to the rear, the
elbows pressed back, and tho shoulders kept down.
Two—Separate and extend the arms and fingers upwards,
forcing them obliquely back, until they come extended on a line
with the shoulders ; and as they fall gradually from thence to the
original position of " Attention," endeavour, as much as possible
to elevate the neck and chest.
90 PART V.—SAVORD EXERCISE.
Three—Turn the palms of the hands to the front, and press
back the thumbs with the arms extended, and raise them to the
rear until they meet above the head ; the fingers pointing upwards,
and the thumbs locked with the left in front.
Four—Keep the arms and knees straight, and bend over until
the hands touch the feet, the head being brought down in the same
direction, and resume the " Third Motion " by raising the arms to
the front.
Five — Eesume the position of " Attention," as directed in
" Second Motion."
The whole of these motions should be done slowly, so as to
feel the exertion of the muscles throughout : and the " First " and
" Second " occasionally practised with the head turned, as much as
possible, to the right or left : all the motions may be performed
also without any pause or separate word of command, so as to make
them lead into each other, and occasionally varying them.
First Position in Three Motions.
One—Move the hands smartly to the rear, the left grasping the
right arm just above the elbow, and the right supporting the left
arm under the elbow.
Two—Half face to the left, turning on the heels, so that the
back of the left touches the inside of the right heel, the head
retaining its position to the front.
Three—Bring the right .heel before the left, the feet at right
angles, the right foot pointing to the front, and the weight of the
body resting on the left leg.
Second Position in Two Motions.
One—Bend the knees gradually, keeping them as much apart
as possible, without raising the heels, or changing the erect position
of the body.
Two—Step out smartly with the right foot about eighteen
inches, in line with the left heel, the weight of the body remaining
on the left leg, the right knee easy and flexible.
Balance Motions.
One—Move the right foot about eight inches to the rear of the
left heel, the toe lightly touching the ground, with the heel per
pendicular to it, keeping the knees well apart.
Two—Eaise the body gradually by the extension of the left leg.
EXTENSION MOTIONS AND POSITIONS. 91
Three—Bend the left knee, resuming the position made previous
to the " Second Motion."
Four—Advance the right leg, with a smart beat of the foot,
resuming the " Second Position," from which the "Balance Motions"
commenced.
First Position—Extending both knees, bring the right heel up
to the left.
Third Position in Two Motions.
One—Incline the right side to the front, so that the shoulder
and knee are perpendicular to the point of the foot, keeping the
body erect.
Two—Step out smartly to the front, about thirty-six inches,
the knee perpendicular to the instep ; the left knee and foot kept
straight and firm, the heels in a line, the body upright, and the
shoulders square to the left.
Second Extension Motions.
One—Bring the arms to the front of the body, with the hands
closed and the knuckles uppermost, touching each other below the
lower button of the coat ; raise them gradually until the wrists, by
bearing inwards, touch the breast, the elbows being kept up ; then
by forcing back the shoulders, the hands will be drawn apart, and
the motion is completed by sinking the elbows, and smartly ex
tending the arms and fingers in a diagonal line, with the right
wrist as high as the head, the shoulders kept down, and the thumbs
inclined to the right.
For beginners, this motion may be divided by giving the word
Prepare for the first part, and remaining perfectly steady when the
hands are brought to the breast, ready to separate ; then give the
word One for the motion to be completed.
Two—Eaise the body by extending the right leg.
Three—-Bend the right knee, and advance the body so as to
resume the " First Motion."
First Position—Spring up with the arms to the rear, and the
right heel close to the left, which forms the " First Position," as
before described.
Front—Come smartly to the position of " Attention ; " bringing
the hands and feet, in one motion, to their proper places.
In the foregoing instructions, the positions and movements,
preparatory to using the sword, have been explained, giving a
separate word of command, for each motion respectively. The
same positions must now be gone through, naming, only (in the
word of command) the position required in order to practise the
h 2
92 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
recruit in changing the positions readily, without losing his
balance, and in quick time,—distinguishing them by the words of
command, First, Second, and Third.
Positions.
First—Raising the arms to the rear, and the right heel to the
front, come at once to the " First Position."
Second—Come to " Second Position."
First „ " First Position."
Third „ " Third Position."
First „ " First Position."
Second „ " Second Position."
Third „ " Third Position."
Second „ " Second Position."
Single Attack—Raise the right foot, and beat it smartly on the
ground.
Double Attack—Raise the right foot as before, and beat it twice
on the ground—first with the heel, then with the flat of the foot.
Advance—Move forward the right foot about sis inches, and
place it smartly on the ground ; then bring up the left lightly
about the same distance.
Single Attack—As before.
Iiitire—Move the left foot lightly to the rear about six inches,
the weight and balance of the body being, and continuing to rest,
upon it ; then move the right foot back the same distance, and
place it smartly upon the ground.
Double Attack—As before.
Front—Resume the position of " Attention."
The object of the preceding portion of the drill, as positions
and movements preparatory to using the sword, is to give a free
and active use of the limbs ; a thorough command of which, with
the knowledge of the best mode of applying the force of the mus
cular powers, will facilitate and give great advantage in the use of
the sword, and ensure a proper efficacy to the cuts and guards ;
enabling the beginner to gain more easily that pliability of strength
in his positien which is required cither for attack or defence.
The instructor should prove the firmness of the positions by
bearing equally and firmly upon the shoulders of the recruit in
each position, anil during the changes in forming the "Second
Position" and "Balance Motions;" also when in the "First" of
the " Secend Extension Motions ; " by taking hold of the right
PREPARATORY SWORD INSTRUCTION. 93
wrist with both hands, and bearing upon it in the direction of the
left leg, upon the line of which the right arm should be, if properly
placed ; and making him also in each position move the toe up and
down, without its motion aifecting the body, which must generally
be balanced, and rest upon the left leg, thereby giving greater flexi
bility to the right leg in moving forward to gain distance upon an
adversary—or in retiring from his reach. No precise length can
be assigned in moving the riglit leg to the front in the " Third
Position," as it depends upon the length and stride of the person ;
but it should not be beyond what may allow of his returning to the
" First " or " Second Position " with quickness and perfect facility
to himself.
When this section is practised as a drill for the limbs only, it
should be performed with the left shoulder and left foot to the front
as well as with the right.
Sec. 2.—Preparatory Instruction with the Sword.
Explanation and Use of the Target.
The following instructions with the sword accord with the
target, which is to be placed so as to have its centre the height of a
man's breast ; from below this centre a line is drawn on the ground
directly to the front, and at the distance of about ten feet the
recruit should be placed in the position of " Attention," with his
left heel on the line, so that when he turns to the " First Position,"
his right foot may cover it.
The circular figure shows the seven " Cuts " and " Guards."
The " Cuts " are directed through the centre, distinguished by lines,
and named according to that number from which each cut com
mences.
The " Guards " are formed by holding the sword opposite to,
and in the inclination of, the dotted lines which have sword-hilts
attached to them ; and supposing the circular figure to be about the
height of a man's body, the "Cuts" and "Guards" will be regulated
according to the lines described upon the circle; nor should the
recruit be practised in any other mode, until he has gained the
proper direction of the " Cuts," as well as the inclination of
the blade, and position of the wrist, in forming the " Guards."
The " Points " or thrusts should be directed as marked in the
target, with the wrist towards No. 1, and the edge of the sword
upwards to the right, in the " First Point ; " towards No. 2, with
the edge upwards to the left, in the " Second Point ; " and in the
" Third Point," with the wrist rising to the centre, the edge up
94 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
wards to the right, and the point directed as marked on the bottom
of the circle.
The sectional lines of the figures over the target represent the
" Preparatory Positions."
The target is also a guide for the instructors in regard to the
elevation of the " Cuts," " Guards," and " Parry " for the Eeview
Exercise, as the recruit must be made to understand clearly that
the target merely directs him how to form the " Cuts," &c, not
exactly where, as that will depend upon how the parties act when
attacking each other,—as the Cuts 1, 3, and 5 can be directed at
any part from head to foot on the left ; and the Cuts 2, 4, and 6,
equally so on the right, the former being termed Inside, and the
latter Outside, Cuts. The "First," "Third," and "Fifth," are
the corresponding Inside Guards ; and the " Second," " Fourth,"
and " Sixth," are the Outside Guards. When the object of being
placed before the target is well impressed upon the mind of the
recruit he need no longer be practised in front of it, but the in
structor should consider it as a sure guide or reference for correctly
forming the guards, and giving a proper direction of the edge in
making the cuts.
In order to admit of several recruits being exercised at the
same time, circles, with the interior lines, as shown in the accom
panying plate of the target, should be delineated in the places of
exercise ; their centres being about four feet from the ground, and
fourteen inches in diameter.
Cuts—Guards—Points—Parry.
(On Foot, and in Front of the Target.)
The recruit, being perfectly instructed in the preparatory move
ments, may now take the sword, making him perfectly acquainted
with the strong and weak parts of it ; the " Fort " (strong) being
the half of the blade near the hilt, the " Feeble " (weak) the half
towards the point; indeed, a knowledge of these distinctions is very
material either in giving or guarding a cut, as much depends npon
their proper application. From the hilt upwards, in opposing the
blade of an adversary, the strength of the defence decreases in pro
portion as the cut is received towards the point ; and, vice versa, it
increases from the point downwards. The " Fort " ought always
to gain the "Feeble" of the opponent's weapon, and the cuts
should be given within eight inches of the point, so that the sword
may clear itself. In delivering a cut, it is advantageous if the
" Fort " meets the adversary's " Feeble," as it will of course force
his guard.
CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PABBY. 95
Draw Swords.—Take hold of the scabbard of the sword with
the left hand just below the hilt, which should be raised as high
as the hip; then bring the right hand smartly across the body,
grasping the hilt and turning it at the same time to the rear ; raise
the hand the height of the elbow, the arm being close to the body.
By a second motion, draw the sword from the scabbard with an
extended arm, the edge being to the rear, and lower the hand until
the hilt is just below the chin, the blade perpendicular, the edge to
the left, with the thumb extended on the side of the handle, and
elbow close to the body, which forms the position of " Recover
Swords." By a third motion, lower the wrist below, and in line
with, the right hip, the elbow being drawn back, and the arm ex
tended as much as it can be with ease, the hand slightly grasping
the sword, but ready by the contraction of the fingers to resume a
firm hold. The upper part of the sword will then be in the hollow
of the right shoulder, with the edge to the front, which brings it to
the position of "Carry Swords;" the left hand resumes the position
of " Attention," directly the sword is drawn. It is good drill prac
tice to give the words " Two " and " Three " for the second and
third motions in drawing and returning swords.
Slope Swords—Move the hand to the front in line with the
elbow, which is brought close to the body, with the sword resting
upon the shoulder, and edge to the front.
Return Swords—Carry the hilt to the hollow of the left shoulder
(the left hand as before, raising the scabbard), with the blade per
pendicular, and the back of the hand to the front : then, by a quick
turn of the wrist, drop the point into the scabbard, turning the edge
to the rear, until the hand and elbow are in a line with each other
square across the body. By a second motion, replace the sword in
the scabbard, keeping the hand upon the hilt. By a third motion
the hands are brought back to the position of " Attention."
Draw Swords—As before.
Slope Swords—As before.
Stand at Ease—When at Close Order, the sword remains at the
Slope ; at Extended Order, the hands are brought together, the left
supporting the right, the back of the sword resting upon the inside
of the left arm, and in both the right foot moved back, with the left
knee bent as usual.
Attention—Come to the position of " Slope Swords."
Prepare for Sword Exercise—Turn the body and feet to the
"First Position," with the left hand resting upon the hip, and
thumb to the rear.
yc PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
Bight Prove Distance—" Beeover Swords " with the fore-finger
and thumb stretched along the handle, the thumb being upon the
back, with the end of the hilt in the palm of the hand. By a
second motion, extend the arm to the right, and lower the sword
in a horizontal direction from the shoulder, with the edge to the
rear, and left shoulder square to the front.
In this, and throughout the instructions, where a second motion
is required, the word Two must be given, unless the practice is
carried on by a fugleman.
Slope Swords—As before.
Front Prove Distance—Baise the sword, as before, then by a
second motion, step out to the " Third Position," and extend the
arm, lowering the point of the sword towards the centre of the
target, with the edge to the right.
CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PARRY. 97
Slope Swords—As before.
Assault—Raise the arm to the front, with the wrist opposite
No. 1, the elbow rather bent towards the centre of the Circular
Figure, and the back of the sword, near the point, resting on the
shoulder, with the edge inclined to the right.
One—Extending the arm, direct the cut to the front in a diagonal
line from right to left, as shown from No. 1 to No. 4 ; and, as the
point clears the circle, turn the knuckles upwards and continue
the sweep of the sword so as to bring the point to the rear of the
left shoulder, upon which it rests with the edge inclined to the left,
and the wrist opposite No. 2.
Two—Direct the cut from No. 2 to No. 3, and turn the wrist
so that the sword continues its motion until the point is below the
right hip, the edge downwards, the elbow bent inwards, and wrist
towards No. 2.
Three—Cut diagonally upwards from No. 3 to No. 2, and con
tinue the motion of the wrist until the point of the sword is below
the left hip, the edge downwards, the elbow bent and raised with
the wrist towards No. 1.
Four—Cut diagonally upwards from No. 4 to No. 1, and turn the
knuckles downwards, with the edge of the sword to the right, and
the point to the rear over the right shoulder, the elbow bent, and
the wrist towards No. 5.
98 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
Five—Cut horizontally from No. 5 to No. 6, and turn the
knuckles up, with the edge of the sword to the left, and the point to
the rear, over the left shoulder, the elbow bent, and the wrist
towards No. 6.
Six—Cut horizontally from No. 6 to No. 5, and bring the hand
in the direction of No. 7, the sword being on the same line over the
head, with the point lowered to the rear, and the edge uppermost.
Seven—Cut vertically downwards from No. 7 to the centre of
the circle, and remain with the arm extended, placing the thumb
along the back of the handle, and the left shoulder pressed well
back.
Point—Draw in the arm until the wrist touches the upper part
of the hip, the thumb on the left of the handle, the edge raised to
the right, the left shoulder advanced, and the hips well thrown
back. By a second motion, deliver the point in the direction as
marked in the target, and raise the wrist towards the centre.
Defend—Form the " First Guard " by turning the edge to the
left, the thumb resuming its grasp of the handle, and draw in
the elbow close to the body ; the wrist being kept to the front, and
the sword placed opposite the dotted diagonal line, as shown in the
target, from the hilt marked " First Guard." In this and the fol
lowing " Guards," distinguished as " Second," " Third," &c, the
point should be advanced rather to the front, the left shoulder
being well kept back in the guards to the left, but rather brought
forward in forming those to the right, as also in the " Seventh
Guard "and "Parry."
Second—Turn the wrist, with the knuckles uppermost, and the
edge of the sword to the right, the sword being placed opposite
the diagonal line, &c, marked "Second Guard."
Third—Turn the wrist and edge to the left, nearly as high as
the shoulder, with the point lowered to the right, the sword placed,
&c, as marked " Third Guard."
Fourth—Baise the elbow, and turn the wrist and edge to the
right with point to the left, the sword, &c, as marked "Fourth
Guard."
Fifth—Turn the edge to the left, with the wrist as high as the
shoulder, to the front and left of the body, the sword being placed
opposite the perpendicular line from the hilt marked " Fifth
Guard."
Sixth—Bend the wrist and turn the edge to the right so as to
bring the sword opposite the perpendicular line, &c, marked
" Sixth Guard."
Seventh—Baise the wrist above, and in advance of, the right
ear, the elbow up, and well kept back, and the sword directed, &c,
as marked " Seventh Guard."
CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PARRY. 99
Parry—Lower the wrist nearly close to the right shoulder, the
edge to the right, the hips well pressed back, and the hilt of the
sword opposite No. 1. By a second motion, turn the wrist so that
the point falls towards the left rear, and forming a circle from left
to right of the body, returns to its former position.
Slope Swords—As before.
The seven cuts and three points should also be practised as
follows : — At the command " Assault," they are combined in
regular succession, without any material pause between each, as by
the proper and timely turn of the wrist the cuts will lead into each
other. They should be given strong with the edge leading forwards,
the wrist retaining its direction to the front as much as possible ;
and in returning to prepare for another cut, the edge should be
drawn back nearly in the same line, the arm being a little bent so
as to allow a free play of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder in giving
effective force to the cut, and then extended to the utmost in the
delivery of it. Whenever the recruit fails to carry the edge well
in making the assault, he should be practised in combining the
cuts One and Four, repeating them several times ; also Two and
TJiree and Five and Six, taking care that the edge leads on the
respective lines of the target, the wrist being darted towards the
centre in each cut.
The three Engaging Guards are now shown (the recruit being
still placed before the target), and the " Cuts " and " Guards "
combined respectively, so as to impress upon his recollection the
guard for each cut. The cuts and points should be given from
the wrist to the full extent of the arm, to the front, and in the
" Third Position," with each cut directed no farther than the
centre of the circle ; the guards and parry formed in the " First
Position," in which also prepare for each point.
Guard—Advance the point of the sword, extending the arm
towards the centre of the target, with the edge downwards ; then,
without pause bending the body, drawing in the chest and neck,
and bringing the left shoulder a little forward, step out smartly to
the " Second Position," with elbow bent, so as to have the hand
nearly over the right foot ; the edge of the sword turned upwards,
with the point lowered, and inclined to the left, the target seen
over the arm and sword, the hilt being inclined to No. 1, and the
point directed below, and to the left of No. 4.
100 PART V.—SWOKD EXERCISE.
Inside Guard—Eaise the head and body, lowering the wrist
with the knuckles down, and over the foot, the point of the sword
to the front, the edge to the left, and the hand as low as the elbow,
CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS PARRY. 101
a little above, and in front of, the hip, at the same time making the
" Single Attack ; " the wrist is here inclined towards No. 4, the
point towards No. 1.
Outside Guard —Turn the wrist with the knuckles upwards, and
the edge of the sword to the right, repeating the " Single Attack,"
the hand inclining to Xu. 3, the point towards No. 2.
Cut One—Cut One and Third Position.
First Guard—First Guard and First Position.
Cut Two—Cut Two and Third Position.
Second Guard—Second Guard and First Position.
Cut Three—Cut Three and Third Position.
Third Guard—Third Guard and First Position.
Cut Four—Cut Four and Third Position.
Fourth Guard—Fourth Guard and First Position.
Cut Fire—Cut Five and TLird Position.
Fifth Guard—Fifth Guard and First Position.
Cut Six—Cut Six and Third Position.
Sixth Guard—Six Guard and First Position.
Cut Seven—Cut Seven and Third Position.
Seventh Guard—Seventh Guard and First Position.
Point—Prepare for Point in First Position.
Two—Point and Third Position.
Parry—Prepare to Parry in First Position.
102 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
Two—Parry.
Guard—As before.
Slope Swords—As before.
Thus far may be considered as merely Drill Practice, and the
recruit need not be required to remember the precise order of it,
after it is ascertained that he understands the object of, and can go
through it correctly, and consequently is qualified to perform the
" Review Exercise," as in the following section.
Sec. 3.—Review, or Inspection, Exercise.
The following exercise is similar to the latter part of the Drill
Practices, and only varies by each guard being formed after its
respective cut, without waiting for a second word of command,
and after each movement of attack, springing up at once to its
corresponding defensive position.
Guard—As before.
Inside Guard—As before.
Outside Guard—As before.
One—Cut " One " and " First Guard," delivering the cut (as
before directed) in the Third Position, and spring up to the First
Position, in forming the guard ; and so on throughout the remaining
" Cuts " and " Guards : " the same in regard to the " Points " and
" Parry."
Two—Cut " Two " and " Second Guard."
Three—Cut " Three " and " Third Guard."
Four—Cut " Four " and " Fourth Guard."
Five—Cut " Five " and " Fifth Guard."
Six—Cut " Six" and " Sixth Guard."
Seven—Cut " Seven " and " Seventh Guard."
Point—Point and prepare for " Parry."
Parry—As before.
Guard—As before.
Slope Swords—As before.
Although the cuts and guards are in the regular order from
One to Seven, the recruit should be practised to make any change
of them according to the command of the instructor, which will
enable him to form more readily, and quickly, any defensive position ;
or to vary the movements of his attack, for which the caution
" Sword Practice " should be given, commencing with the Guard,
and delivering the Inside and Outside Cuts from One to Six, but
returning to Guard after each Cut, and in the same manner the
" Outside Cuts " to be given from the Inside Guard, and the " Inside
Cuts " from the Outside Guard. Or when any single cut and its
ATTACK AND DEFENCE. 103
corresponding guard is required, the number is to be given, and
performed as in the Review Exercise ; but when the cut is to be
directed for the leg—viz. Three or Tour—the caution " For the
Leg " must be given previous to the number ; and the guard formed
low accordingly.
Sec. 4.—Attack and Defence.
The recruit, being now complete in giving the cuts and forming
their respective guards, must bring them into practice, according
to the two following modes of exercise ; the Cut3 and Points being
given in the Third Position ; and the Guards and Parry in the
First Position.
The squads are formed in two, four, or more ranks, at the
" Slope Swords," and well under the eye of the instructor, with a
distance of four paces between ranks and files ; and in this form
ation the whole of the drill, as shown in Sections 2 and 3, may
be gone through, either by separate words of command, or by a
fugleman ; the former being the best mode, as the swordsman isj
then enabled to keep his view fixed in the direction he is supposed
to act.
Front Hank, Right about Face—The files face to the right
about.
Prepare for Attack and Defence—Files oppose each other in
" First Position."
Prove Distance—Files prove distance, as before directed, but
remaining in " First Position."
Strict attention should be paid that the opposing files take
their proper distance, by the point of each sword touching the
guard of the other, the hips being well drawn back, the front rank
having their swords uppermost, and the rear rank giving way, or
advancing up, according to the required measure ; the instructor
will consequently not give the word " Slope Swords," until all
remain steady at their proper distances.
Slope Swords—As before.
Guard—As before.
Inside Guard—With the " Single Attack," the files engage on the
Inside Guard, the swords joining about eight inches from the point.
Outside Guard—Change to the Outside Guard, with the " Single
Attack," the swords, &c. :
Front Bank. Bear Bank.
Left Cheek Cut One First Guard.
Bight Cheek Second Guard Cut Two.
Wrist Cut Three Third Guard.
Leg Fourth Guard Cut Four.
104 PAET V.—SWOBD EXERCISE.
Rear Rank.
Fifth Guard.
Cut Six.
Seventh Guard.
Parry, and prepare for
Point.
Front Rank.
Left Side Cut Five
Bight Side Sixth Guard
Head Cut Seven
Point Point, and prepare for
Parry.
Guard As before.
Slope Swords As before.
On the command for each of the above points, the defending
file should spring up to the First Position, and the attacking file
wait for the word "Two" to deliver it: but in the "Stick Practice"
the point is to be at once given.
The movements of Attack and Defence in this practice, are in
the same rotation as the Review Exercise ; and as they show the
application of the cuts and guards, both (particularly the cuts)
should be made with the same precision as at the target; nor
should one sword bear upon the other, but the wrist be kept well
up, and ready to renew any requisite movement. Strict attention
should be observed that, after proving distance, the files do not
move their left feet, unless ordered otherwise. The front rank
invariably commences, but equal practice should be given to both.
The " Second Point " is omitted in this practice, as the " Parry "
would probably disarm the opponent.
The following practice is intended to exercise the drill in
giving, defending, and returning the " Point " quickly, and may be
continued eight or ten times, by a quick successive word of com
mand, according to the abilities of the parties engaged ; it is also
the most effectual defence against the pike or bayonet.
Guard
Point
Point
Guard
Point and Parry.
Front Rank. Rear Rank.
As before.
Prepare to give Point. Prepare to Parry.
Advance the body by
extending the left leg,
giving Point, and when
parried, draw back the
arm ready to " Parry."
Draw back the body
by nearly extending the
right leg, Parry, &c.
As before.
Parry, and prepare for
Point.
Point, &c.
Slope Swords As before.
STICK DRILL. 105
Equal practice may be given to all by the caution which, rank
is to commence, the front rank always doing so (as above men
tioned), unless otherwise directed. The squads here also should
occasionally be formed rank entire, and put through the guards
and points in each position, particularly in the First, and change
frequently from the " First " to the " Third," and from the
" Second " to the " Third," in giving point.
Sec. 5.—Stick Drill.
As no exercise with the sword can be properly attained without
some mode of loose or independent practice, sticks should be
substituted for swords, as, in fencing, foils are used for the
acquirement of that art ; but before such practice is allowed,
the following five combinations of Attack and Defence are to be
well practised and executed. The sticks are to be about forty
inches long, and not so weak as to bend, the leather hilts being
merely large enough to cover the hand, without confining it ; and
on no account are the masks to be omitted, as they enable those
who practise to cut or thrust with more confidence. The same
formation is continued as for the " Attack and Defence ;" also the
proving distance ; and the two First Practices are to be the same as
previously gone through with swords in Sect. 4. In the Third
Practice the cuts at the leg are given with the Third Position ;
those at the head and neck in the First, but with caution and
lightly, as both cuts being given at the same time, the file giving
the cut at the leg has not the power of defending himself; thus
showing the advantage of shifting the leg when engaged at the
proper distance. In the Fourth and Fifth Practices, the Attack is
made as usual with the Third, and the Defence in the First,
Position.
First Practice.
Guard—Continuing the same words of command and movements
as in the " Attack and Defence " in Sec. 4.
Second Practice.
Guard—Continuing, &c, as the " Point and Parry."
Third Practice.
Front Sank. Bear Rank.
Guard As before.
Leg Cut Four at Leg Cut Seven at Head.
Inside Guard As before.
i
106 PAET V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
Leg _
Outside Guard
Leg
Guard
Slope Swords
Guard
Head
Head
Leg
Leg
Head
Head
Guard
Slope Swords
Front Rank. Bear Bank.
Cut Six at Leg Cut Six at Neck.
As before.
Cut Five at Leg Cut Five at Neck.
As before.
As before.
Fourth Practice.
Cut Seven
Seventh Guard
Cut Four
Seventh Guard
Cut Seven
Seventh Guard
As before.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Seven
Seventh Guard.
Cut Four.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Seven.
As before.
As before.
Fifth Practice.
Guard
Head Cut Seven
Head Seventh Guard
Arm Cut Two
Head Seventh Guard
Head Cut Seven
Arm Second Guard
Head Cut Seven
Head Seventh Guard
Bight Side Cut Six
Head Seventh Guard
Head Cut Seven
Bight Side Sixth Guard
Guard
Slope Swords
Particular attention should be paid, that in the attack the wrist
preserves, as much as possible, the line of the direction in which
the cut is given ; and, in each position of defence, that it only
deviates from it sufficiently to form the guard ; taking care to have
the wrist, elbow, and shoulder supple and easy, so as to be ready
to deliver a cut, thrust, or perform any other movement of attack
or defence.
It is good practice in the drill with sticks, for each movement
of attack and defence to be first performed in two motions, by the
As before.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Seven.
Second Guard.
Cut Seven.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Two.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Seven.
Sixth Guard.
Cut Seven.
Seventh Guard.
Cut Six.
As before.
As before.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE WITH STICKS. 107
stick slightly touching the part to which it is directed, and the
defence only formed at the word " Two : " this enables the in
structor to see that the attacking files give their cuts and thrusts
fully home, and according to rule ; and that the files on the
defensive come to a firm and correct position ; it also greatly
assists in judging exactly where the weapons should cross each
other.
As in the preceding Section, the whole should be reversed by
the rear rank commencing instead of the front ; and, when
perfect by word of command, in all the practices, they are to be
performed in quick time, the instructor naming only the practice
required, previously giving the caution, " Stick Drill by Practice
Divisions."
The point, being generally the most effective, should occasion
ally be substituted for the cut, when an opportunity offers of giving
it, either in the attack, or in a quick return from a defensive
guard,—the " First Point " being more speedily given from the
Second, Fifth, and Seventh Guards ; the " Second Point " from the
First and Third Guards ; the " Third Point " from the Fourth and
Sixth Guards : and the point, so given, may be defended by the
same guard as against the cut, the thrust being delivered by an
immediate extension of the arm at the moment the point is in the
proper line of direction.
A feint is a half cut, or thrust, menacing an attack at one part,
whilst the intention is to direct it at another ; and the true cut, or
thrust, should be given as the opponent answers to the feint.
When perfectly exercised and complete in the above drill, the
independent practice may be tried (under proper control) by the
files attacking each other, as in single combat with sword, and
delivering such cuts or thrusts as their judgment directs, but
paying strict attention to the following rules as their guidance.
Rules for the Independent Practice with Sticks.
The cuts and thrusts must not be given too strongly, or so as
to cause anger or irritation.
Each cut or thrust to be acknowledged on the party receiving
it, by his passing the stick into the left hand, the opponent at the
same time recovering to an engaging guard.
The combat to be renewed out of distance, the parties coming
within it cautiously, so that neither is taken by surprise.
No two cuts or thrusts to be made upon the same lunge, or the
i2
108 PART V.—feWORD EXERCISE.
opponents making either at the same time ; in such case the cut
given in the third position to be considered effective.
No shifting from any cut or thrust, unless it can be effected
with security.
All cuts being made from a defensive position, great attention
should be paid in immediately returning to such, as soon as the
cut or thrust is delivered.
N*o practice to be allowed without masks ; and as the stick is
the substitute for the sword, the cut can only be considered fair
and effective when given with that part which corresponds with the
edge : nor should any movement of attack or defence be attempted
with the stick, which could not be performed, or would not be
risked, in a combat with swords.
Sec. 6.—General Observations and Directions.
The exercise of the sword consists of seven cuts or directions
of the edge ; the same number of guards or defensive positions ;
the point (or thrust) given with the nails up or down ; and a
circular motion of the blade, termed the parry : therefore, whatever
may be the attack or defence, it can only bo formed by having
recourse to some of the above movements, or a combination of them.
By engaging, which is generally the action of joining swords
with an opponent, previous to the attack, there should be only a
slight pressure on his blade, so that the hand or wrist may be more
susceptible of any motion ; and although the guard, as also the
Inside or Outside Guard, affords protection at the moment, they
are merely considered as preparatory to any offensive or defensive
movements, varying the latter according to the points liable to be
attacked.
In all attacks, whether cuts or thrusts, the motion ought to
increase in velocity, the greatest force being given at the last : the
same rule should be observed in stepping out to the Second and
Third Positions ; but, in recovering, the reverse is to be attended
to, as the first part is the quickest ; and nothing is of more im
portance than that the eye should follow that of the opponent, still
watching the movement of his wrist, and slightly glancing at the
part where you intend to cut or thrust ; taking care never to look
at your own sword, which will invariably follow the eye wherever
you direct it.
Although each cut has its guard, according to the number, yet
it does not follow that the file on the defensive is always to have
recourse to it, as he may frequently be enabled to secure himself
more effectually and quicker, by forming some other guard ; if, for
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS. 109
example, he makes the cut Six at the body, and his opponent, after
defending by the Sixth Guard, returns the cut One at the breast,
then the Fifth Guard becomes the quickest movement of defence ;
but if the opponent has defended by the Second Guard previous to
his return of the Cut One, then the First Guard is the quickest
formed ; consequently the First and Fifth Guards each defend the
cuts One or Five, the Second and Sixth Guards each defend the
cuts Two or Six, according as they may be given high or low ; and
if the Third or Fourth Guards are required for the defence of the
leg, the arm must be extended, so that the Fort of the blade may
receive the Feeble of the opponent's weapon ; bearing well in mind,
however, that in all cuts at the leg, when at the proper distance,
the shifting of your own leg, and delivering a cut at the same
moment, becomes the most effective and advantageous defence ;
particularly to a tall man (even in every part of the body), when
engaged with another of lesser stature, or length of arm, as he will
be out of his opponent's reach, whilst the latter may be within his.
The art of defence does not, in fact, so much consist in your
own strength of position, as in effecting a decidedly quick movement
in that direction where your opponent has the least means of
resistance, especially in defending against the Point, when the
First, Third, and Fifth Guards are the most effective against the
First and Third Points ; and the Second, Fourth, and Sixth Guards
against the Second Point ; provided the wrist happens to be so
previously placed, that the requisite guards may be quickly formed :
and the First Point is more speedily given in return from the
Second, Fifth, and Seventh Guards ; the Second Point from the
First and Third Guards ; and the Third Point from the Fourth and
Fifth Guards.
If opposed to the small sword, have recourse to the cuts Three
and Four, directing them at the arm, by which means there is every
probability of the cuts taking effect, as it must always come within
range of the edge, before the point can be sufficiently advanced to
reach your body : if the above cuts are quickly given and continued,
they will always be found advantageous in advancing against the
small sword, as they constitute an attack and form a defence at
the same moment ; but should the opponent be the most skilful and
quickest in his movements, then it is best to retire whilst giving
them, cautiously preserving the proper distance, so that each cut
may just reach the fore part of his arm.
The Second Point, if delivered as a first movement, should be
given with great caution, the wrist being then in a position so liable
to the disarm ; it should be resorted to chiefly in the return, or
after a feint from the Outside or Inside Guards ; if from the former,
feint Third Point under, and deliver Second Point over, the arm ;
110 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
if from the latter, feint cut Two, and continue the sweep of the
sword until the point is sufficiently lowered to deliver without
pause the Second Point at the body under the arm.
Cutting within the sword may be resorted to, if an adversary
does not form sufficient opposition in making his attack, when, by
a quick turn of the wrist, on the side you defend, the Inside Cuts
may be given from the Outside Guards, and the Outside Cuts from
the Inside Guards. The two most effective are after the Second
and Fourth Guards, viz. the cut Five at the neck from the former,
and at the leg from the latter ; the Drawing Cut, as according to
the mode laid down ; and the Thrusting Cut, by forcing the edge
forward from the Feeble to the Fort of the blade, either after a weak
defence of an adversary, or by his laying himself sufficiently open
for you to deliver it.
The line of direction is, in a general sense, the position of the
feet, body, and arms kept invariably in a straight line on the proper
position of " Guard ; " it is sometimes towards the arm and point
of the sword, in guarding, parrying, and thrusting : if you form
your guards too wide, you are said to deviate from the line of
direction, and consequently leave some part of your body un
guarded ; if you make a thrust at an adversary without covering
yourself and resisting his blade, you are also said to deviate from
the line of direction ; your point too deviates from the line of
direction when not steadily directed at your adversary's body.
Lunge is the act of extending yourself on the line of direction,
the full distance of your stride, in order to make your approaches
to an adversary's body in delivering a cut or thrust.
Eecovering is the act of resuming the position of guard, after
having made a lunge at your adversary; a quick and easy recovery
to guard is very essential to your own safety.
If opposed to the bayonet or pike, your adversary from the
length of those weapons can keep you at a distance as to be out of
your reach, whilst you are within his : you must therefore en
deavour to assail his advanced wrist, or close upon him by forcing
his weapon aside, by the "Parry" or "Fourth Guard." The "Fifth
Guard" is, however, more effective, as he has less power of re
sistance, or of clearing his weapon, which may be thrown out of
his hand, or you may seize it with your left hand, which is not so
easily done if it had been warded off to the right, as your defence
is always more effective on the left, than on the right ; but although
he wields it with both hands, you will find it easier to bear it off to
the right ; and he has less power of resistance, or of clearing him
self, if you force it to the left ; besides, you have then the additional
advantage of seizing it with the left hand, which you cannot so
easily do on the right.
officer's salute. Ill
Against a mounted opponent you should endeavour to gain his
left side, where he has less power of defending himself or his horse,
and cannot reach so far on attacking as on the right. In assailing
the horse also, you may make him unruly, and less under command
of his rider, upon which his safety very materially depends ; bearing
in mind the advantage you havo in the power of being in, and out
of, reach nearly at the same instant; whilst the motions of the
horse being too slow and cumbersome for that purpose, afford the
dismounted swordsman (if he possesses proper nerve) a decided
advantage over his mounted opponent.
Although a regular mode is laid down for drawing the sword,
yet occasional practice should be given to come to the Guard im
mediately, and at any required point, without going through the
Parade Motions, &c, thereby preparing the swordsman for any
sudden attack of an enemy.
Many similar remarks will naturally occur to those who have
practical experience ; and the instructors should endeavour, as
much as possible, in their directions to the recruit, to impress
them upon his mind by such occasional observations as they be
come most applicable. Opportunities of thus explaining may often
be taken during the pauses of rest, as no squad should be kept too
long either in the positions or movements; and where recruits are
more deficient than the others, the whole should be made to cease
for the moment, and those who have gone wrong be corrected.
Sec. 7.—Officer's Salute.
The officers to be formed in line at four paces distant from each
other, " Standing at Ease " with the point of the sword lowered
between the feet, the edge to the right, and left hand covering the
right.
Attention—Carry swords as before.
Hear Bank take Open Order—" Recover Swords," and move
forward an oblique pace to the left, so as to be placed in front and
just clear, of the first file.
112 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
March —Advance three paces to the front, and bring the sword
to the " Port," the blade being diagonally across the body, the edge
upwards, and arm nearly extended ; the left elbow bent with the
hand as high, and in front of the shoulder ; holding the blade
between the fore-finger and thumb, the knuckles to the front, and
elbows close to the side.
Present Arms—" Recover Swords " at the second motion of the
firelock, and at the third motion lower the sword (to the full
extent of the arm) to the right, with the edge to the left and point
in the direction of the right foot, the elbow close to the side, at
the same time raising the left arm, bringing the hand to the! peak
of the helmet, knuckles turned outwards, fingers extended and
pointing upwards.
officer's salute. 113
Shoulder Arms—" Kecover Swords " at the first motion of the
firelock and at the second motion " Port Swords."
Bear Bank take Close Order—" Eight Face," and as the right
foot is drawn to the rear " Eecover Swords."
March—Move back into the front rank, " Front," and " Carry
Swords."
The salute on the march is to commence when at ten paces from
the reviewing officer, the officer on the right giving the signal to
prepare the other officers by raising the fingers of the left hand
two paces previous to saluting ; the sword is then raised by ex
tending the arm to the right, and by a circular motion brought to
the recover ; and continuing the motion to the right shoulder, from
whence the sword is lowered, and the left hand is then gradually
raised over the peak of the cap in the manner before directed. The
time for completing the salute is six paces, commencing with the
left foot, and may be divided (for drill practice) as follows :—
first pace, the sword raised to the right ; second pace, to the
recover ; third pace, to the right shoulder ; fourth pace, the sword
lowered to the right ; fifth pace, the left arm raised ; sixth pace,
hand brought to the peak of the cap.
The head should be slightly turned towards the reviewing
officer whilst passing him ; and, having done so, six paces, and
given the signal (as before) " Eecover Swords " one pace, and
" Port " in the following pace.
On the march, or when manoeuvring, the sword may be carried
to the full extent of the arm, the guard of the hilt resting upon the
inside of the fingers, the back of the blade being against the hollow
of the shoulder.
( 114 )
WOEDS OF COMMAND
THROUGHOUT THE
PEOGEESSIVE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DEILL.
Those words printed in Italics are to serve as a caution only.
Section I.
EXTENSION MOTIONS AND POSITIONS.
Attention.
First Extension Motions.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five.
First Position in Three Motions.
One—Two—Three.
Second Position in Two Motions.
One—Two.
Balance Motions.
One—Two—Three—Four.
First Position.
Third Position in Two Motions.
One—Two.
Second Extension Motions.
One—Two—Three.
First Position.
Front.
Stand at Ease.
WORDS OF COMMAND. 115
Attention.
Positions.
First—Second—First—Third.
First—Second—Third—Second.
Single Attack—Double Attack.
Advance—Single Attack.
Eetire—Double Attack.
Front—Stand at Ease.
Sec. 2.—Preparatory Instruction with the Sword.
Attention.
Draw Swords—Eeturn Swords.
Draw Swords—Slope Swords.
Stand at Ease.
Attention.
Prepare for Sword Exercise.
Eight Prove Distance—Slope Swords.
Front Prove Distance—Slope Swords.
Assault.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven .
Point—Two.
Defend.
Second—Third—Fourth—Fifth—Sixth—Sixth.
Parry—Two.
Slope Swords.
Stand at Ease.
Attention.
Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.
Cut One First Guard.
Cut Two Second Guard.
116 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.
Cut Three Third Guard.
Cut Four Fourth Guard.
Cut Five Fifth Guard.
Cut Six Sixth Guard.
Cut Seven Seventh Guard.
First Point Two.
Second Point Two.
Third Point Two.
Parry Two.
Guard Slope Swords.
Stand at Ease.
This completes the Drill Practices, which need not be kept
up or repeated when the recruit is able to go through the Review
Exercise effectively, as shown in the following Section 3.
Sec. 3.—Review, or Inspection, Exercise.
Attention.
Prepare for Sword Exercise.
Eight Prove Distance—Slope Swords.
Front Prove Distance—Slope Swords.
Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven.
Points—First—Second—Third—Parry.
Guard—Slope Swords.
Sword Practice.
Guard.
Inside and Outside Cuts.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six.
Inside Guard.
Outside Cuts.
Two—Four—Six.
Outside Guard.
WORDS OF COMMAND. 117
Inside Ciiis.
One—Three—Five.
Guard—Slope Swords.
Stand at Ease.
Sec. 4.—Attack and Defence.
Attention.
Front Rank, Right about Face.
Prepare for Attack and Defence.
Prove Distance—Slope Swords.
Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.
Left Cheek—Right Cheek—Wrist—Leg.
Left Side—Right Side—Head.
First Point—Two—Third Point—Two.
Guard—Slope Swords.
Point and Parry.
Guard—Third Point—Point.
Point (continuing as long as requisite).
Guard—Slope Swords.
Stand at Ease.
Sec. 5.—Stick Drill.
First Practice.
Guard—Continuing the same words of command and move
ments, as in the " Attack and Defence," in Section 4, omitting the
word " Two " in the delivery of each point.
Second Practice.
Guard—Continuing, &c. as the " Point and Parry." but not
exceeding Six Points.
118 PART V.—SWOKD EXERCISE.
Third Practice.
Guard—Leg—Inside Guard—Leg.
Outside Guard—Leg—Guard.
Slope Swords.
Fourth Practice.
Guard—Head—Head—Leg.
Leg—Head—Head-Guard.
Slope Swords.
Fifth Practice.
Head—Head—Arm.
- Head—Head—Arm.
Head—Head—Eight Side.
Head—Head—Eight Side.
Slope Swords.
When perfect by word of command, the whole of this Section
is to be performed in quick time, by the drill instructor naming
only the practice required, but first giving the caution—Stick Drill,
by Practice Divisions.
( 119 )
INSTEUCTIONS
FOR THE USE OP
ADAMS'S BEEECH-LOADING EEVOLVEE PISTOLS.
Handle Carry the right hand to the holster and draw the
Arms. pistol.
Prepare to Eaise the hammer to half-cock with the thumb of
Load. the right hand : pass the pistol to left hand (muzzle
pointing to the ground) extending the fore-finger
along the cylinder, raise the shield as high as it will
go, and carry the right hand to pouch for cartridge.
Load. Draw a cartridge from pouch between fore-finger
and thumb of right hand, and turn cylinder with left
fore-finger till a chamber comes directly opposite the
groove under shield : place cartridge in chamber, and
again turn cylinder with left fore-finger, at same time
drawing another cartridge from pouch with right hand,
and so on, till all the chambers are loaded. Shut down
shield and repass to right hand.
Ready. Place the fore-finger lightly on trigger (remaining
fingers grasping the butt firmly) and fix the eye on
the object to be fired at.
Present. Place the second joint of fore-finger well round
trigger, level the pistol at the object with arm slightly
bent {muzzle low), bring the foresight in a line with
notch of the backsight, 'and press firmly until the
pistol explodes ; the other chambers are discharged by
releasing the trigger after each shot, and again press
ing upon it.
Note.—The trigger should be pressed steadily, without jerking :
the first joint of the finger does not give sufficient power to fire with
effect, great care should therefore be taken to get the second joint
round the trigger.
In the event of a " miss-fire," continue the firing, and remove
the defective cartridge when opportunity offers.
120 INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREECH-LOADING PISTOLS.
Should great steadiness be required, the pistol may be fired by
passing to left hand between each round, and full-cocking with
right.
Unload Pass pistol to left hand, muzzle pointing to right,
Pistoh. raise shield, turn bolt, at right angles to barrel (with
right hand), and move a chamber opposite rod with
left fore-finger, seize end of ejector rod with fore
finger and thumb of right hand, and press it into
chamber (turning it slightly towards the body), and
allow cartridges to drop into left hand—lower shield,
and return pistol to holster.
Extract After firing, empty cartridge cases are removed by
Cases. the same motions as in unloading.
Lock Pass to left hand, turn bolt to right angles, slide
Cylinders ejector into chamber, until first notch just clears the
guide, and the second notch is opposite bolt, and
replace bolt.
Unlock Pass to left hand, depress bolt, withdraw ejector,
Cylinders, and replace bolt.
Dismount. In cleaning, the cylinder is dismounted thus, half-
cock, pass to left hand (muzzle pointing to right),
press bolt back as far as it will go, with right hand,
and remove cylinder rod with the thumb.
N.B.—In the foregoing exercise, the pistol need never be put
at full-cock ; when half-cocking, it is not necessary to touch the
trigger at all ; except when actually firing, the fingers should in all
cases grasp the butt outside the trigger guard.
Should the pistol be accidentally placed on full-cock, the
hammer must be eased gently down by placing the thumb of right
hand on the comb of the hammer (muzzle pointing to the ground)
and drawing back the trigger with fore-finger, until the hammer is
released, it is then eased down and brought back to half-cock.
In loading, or half-cocking, the pistol is never to be allowed to
point towards any person, the muzzle must invariably point to the
ground in the above motions.
LONDON : PRINTED BY W. CLOWES & SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
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